THE SYDNEY AND SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE, VIA AUCKLAND AND HONOLULU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1893, 15 February 1870, Page 7

THE SYDNEY AND SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE, VIA AUCKLAND AND HONOLULU.

Our Auckland readers will be pleased to learn that the new route may now be considered an accomplished fact. From the Sydney papers, we glean something like a connected account of the new Oalifornian service. The Hon. Mr. Vogel, Postmaster-General, has arranged a contract with Mr. Hall, and a subcontract with the A. S. N. Company, to provide the vessels. The first steamer is to leave Sydney on the 26th of March, and Auckland on the 2nd April. The route is to be by Auckland, Honolulu, and San Francisco. New Zealand is to contribute £15,000 per annum, and the contractor is to receive such other subsidies as IS ew Zealand may be able to procure from other colonies or countries. The time is to be six days from Sydney to Auckland —thirty hours detention in Auckland—and twenty-five days from Auckland to San Francisco. Up to the first six months, instead of twenty-five, the time will be twenty-four days. If the Fijis are to be connected, it will have to be by a branch service from Auckland. A great deal that has appeared in the public journals on this subject has partaken more or less of inaccuracy ; thus it has been inaccurately stated that an American Company had entered into a contract. All that Mr. Hall has been assured of is that he can connect his boats with those which already run between Honolulu and San Francisco. The cost of subsidy to New Zealau I for its share of the maintenance of this mail service will probably be more than recouped by the postage of letters conveyed. The TV ellington people are in a state of great indignation at Auckland being selected as the port of call. The company however looks to its profits nlone, and cares nothing for provincial jealousies.