THE AUSTRALIAN MAILS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9194, 14 August 1891, Page 3

THE AUSTRALIAN MAILS.

Mr Robert J. CreightoD, of San Francisoo, formerly of New Zealand, was in Washingtonon July 14 on business relating to the Australian mail service, with which he has been prominently identified for many years. "Up to the close of 1889," said Mr Creighton to a newspaper interviewer, " the Australian mail line wan supported by the colonies of New Zealand and New South Waleß. Last year the latter Goverument withdrew absolutely, but New Zealand continued it for another year, hoping the United States Government would step in and contribute an adequate share to its support, as this country was the principal gainer by the service. The Shipping Act of last session,"he added,"may be regarded as a beginning in that direction, but it by no means suffices, nor does it appropriate nearly as much for conveying our bulky Australian mail as the small colony of New Zealand paid American steamship companies for carrying its English mail to and from San Francisco. Doubtless Congress will see the wisdom of extending this policy and building up American commerce with the British-Australian settlements, which are among the richest communities in the world." The formal notice of the Post Office department, inviting proposals for ocean mail lettings was issued at Washington, July 15. Among others the new system of service from 'Frisco to the Australian colonies is proposed as follows: — From isan Francisco to Sydney (New South Wales), by Auckland (New Zealand) and Honolulu, touching at Melbourne (Victoria) and Wellington (New Zealand), at the option of the contractor on the return voyage; once in two weeks ;26 trips per year; in vessels of the second class; time, 20 days; bonds required with bid, 50,000d01. Also the same route, number of trips in vessels of the third class for first three years in 22 days, and of the second class or remaining seven years' of the term in 20 days, the bid to specify rate of each class; bond required with the bid, 30,000d01. From San Francisco to Melbourne, by Honolulu and Wellington (N.Z), touching at Sydney and Auckland on the return voyage (at the option of the contractor) once in. two weeks. Twenty-eix trips per year in vessels of the second class; time, 21 days; bond required with bid, 40,000d01. The same route, same number of trips in vessels of the third class for the first three years, in 23 days; and for the remaining seven years, in vessels of the second olass, in 21 days, the bid to specify the rate for each class; bond (with bid), 30,000d01. On the return Toyages the vessels may tonch at any port not named in schedule, if by doing so outward voyage are not delayed.