THE PANAMA SERVICE.

North Otago Times, Volume VII, Issue 157, 23 November 1866, Page 2

THE PANAMA SERVICE.

In tho Legislative Assembly, New South Wales, on October 23, in answer to Mi' Macleay, it was stated by Mr Farkes that by tho mail -which left here last May, notice was given to tho P. and O. Company of tho intention of Government to retire from tho existing contract for the conveyanco of mails. Since then no further steps have been taken in tho matter. The Government of South Australia have also given notice of their intention to retire from tho contract. A few days ago the Government received a communication from tho Government of Victoria relative to re-opening the question. They stated, if this Government gave assistance to the Suez route, they would bo prepared to consider tho question of tho route via Panama. There was every reason to hope an arrangomctnent might ere long be made between the Governments interested. On the 31st ultimo, MrForster asked the Colonial Secretary — 1. Is the contract with tho Government of New Zealand, for establishing steam postal communication between this colony and Great Britain by way of Panama completed, or do the Government intend completing such contract P 2. Whon is it hkely that such contract will be completed ? 3. Will the carriage of letters or newspapers by tho said route across the Isthmus or thence to Groat Britain, be charged by weight ? 4. What will be the probable difference, if any, between the total amount of postage chargeable upon letters or newspapers posted m this colony, and the total cost of carriage of such letters and newspapers by tho said route ? 5. What will be the total cost of conveyance of such letters and newspapers by tho said route, including the cost of the subsidy P 6. What arrangements have the Government made, or do they iutoud making, to meet any extra charge upon letters or newspapers for carriage across the Isthmus, or thence to Great Britain P 7. Are tho Government hkely to be induced, by tho apparent succoss of the late experiment for tho establishment of steam postal communication between the Australian colonies and Great Britain by way of Torres i Straits, and the difficulties which have arisen with regard to tho Panama route, to take such steps as may bo consistent tv ith public good faith for transferring tho interest of this Colony from the latter to the former scheme ? 8. Do tho Government intend making auy arrangement for co-operating with the Government of Queensland in tho establishment of steam postal communication by way of Torres Straits P Mr Parkes said, in answer to the first and second questions, the contract into which this Government entered with the Government of New Zealand ha» been executed by the Government of tins Colony, and submitted to that of Now Zealand, and a despatch recently received stated that it liad been executed by that Government. Tho agreement was expected by the mail steamer now due. 8. The usual rate will be charged on letters and newspapers by this route, as tho Imperial Government carries them from Panama to England freo of charge. 4. It ia impossible to get a correct estimate of the cost of conveyanco of letters and papers by this route. 5. At present we do not know what the total cost will be. 6. No arrangements have been determined upon for putting an exira charge on tho carriage of letters across the isthmus, or thence to Great Britain. 7 and 8. It is not the intention of this Government to make any arrangement with the Government of Queensland for co-operation in the establishment of steam postal communication by way of Torres Straits,