THE PANAMA ROUTE. (From the Daily Times, October 8.)

Otago Witness, Issue 567, 11 October 1862, Page 3

THE PANAMA ROUTE. (From the Daily Times, October 8.)

We are in receipt of some interesting information from Captain M'Lean, of the Aldinga, from which we gather that not only commercially but geographically, Otago is better suited for the terminus of the Panama Line, than a more northern port. Captain M'Lean has been two voyages between Australia and Lima. The first was made in twenty-six days; the second in thirty-two days. He has besides been a great deal along the South American coast. He tells us that iv making the voyage the direction of the wind and the currents is the primary consideration. The winds across the Pacific blow in a uniform and unvarying direction, and to sail or steam against them is almost impossible. On one occasion, Captain M'Lean had to make 2300 miles of southing, in order to make 300 miles of northing. From any part of Australia to Panama, it would be absolutely necessary to take a track considerably to the south of either, on a circle to very near Valparaiso, and then to go norai alonnthe coast. The distance is not so much in° creased as would appear on a flat map, as any one acquainted with the principle of great circle sailing will know. But obviously, Otago would be nearer than any northern port, as the point to start from. On the voyage from Panama, the track is almost a direct one to Wellington, so that a northern port would be nearer. But, inasmuch as the distance to Panama would be greater than the return voyage, the choosing a southern port would tend to shorten the longer, whilst it would increase the shorter voyage. In fact, it avouH a 9 nearly a3 possible equalise the time of the two voyages, whilst if Wellington, or a more northerly port, were selected, there would be a disparity of several days. Captain M'Lean believes there would be no difficulty in doing the voyage to and fro. between Otago and Panama in twenty-five days. Similar information to this, which Captain M'Lean lias furnished from a practical point of view, Dr. Hector has furnished us with from a theoretical. Judging from the direction of the winds and currents, as detailed by the best authorities, that gentleman has told us that the up voyage to Panama from any part of New Zealand would have to be much to the south, whilst on the down voyage a northern track would be kept.