SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9299, 15 December 1891, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(Fuom Our Own Couhespondent.) AVei.i.i.voto.v, December 14. THE DIRECT STEAJI SERVICE. Some time ago I informed you that the two shipping companies which run the direct steam services between England and New Zealand were considering the advisableness of calling at Jlelbourne on the outward voyage. I now learn that a further and much more radical change in the route of the service is under consideration, and will probably be adopted ere long. As the steamers have definitely ceased to be the regular mail carriers, there i.s no prospect of the Government and the companies coming to terms. The present proposal is to discontinue entirely the present Homeward service, via Cape Horn and Rio de Janeiro, and to substitute a homeward route via Jlelbourne, Hobart, Capetown, and Teneriffe. It is found by experience that passengers have a good deal of dread of Cape Horn, especially in the winter passage, which is Ihe favourite oue for passengers, because it enables them to reach England .in the summer. The cold weather, the storms, and the rough seas alike are feared, in spite of the usually favourable exir-erience these boats hitherto have enjoyed. Yellow fever at Rio also makes some nervous, and the present disturbed condition of Brazilian politics not only renders Rio a less desirable port of call for sight-seers, but also seriously enhances the difficulty and delay in coaling. On the other hand it is believed that there is a large homeward (as well as outward) traffic to be tapped at Jlelbourne, from that port and also from Queensland, New South AVales, and South Australia, whence the boats are easily joined at Jlelbourne. by rail. The attractions held out will be avoidance alike of the Red Sea heat and of the Cape Horn cold. It is estimated that the passages between Plymouth and New Zealand, calling at Teneriffe, Capetown, Hobart, and Jlelbourne, will be made each way in 45 days easily, or in about 40 days between Jlelbourne and Plymouth.