THE CALIFORNIAN MAIL SERVICE.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2708, 21 October 1871, Page 2

THE CALIFORNIAN MAIL SERVICE.

A Sydney correspondent of the Southern Cross writes : - It has not been an unlooked-for, though for many reasons a regre:ful event, that Hall’s line of steamers from Sydney to San Fi ancisco should break down in the way it has done, and that too just when it was beginning to get popular. With only New South Wales for its support, no other result could be predicted ; and this soon became apparent when Mr Parkes, first in Victoria and then in Queensland, vainly endeavored to induce those colonies to bear a share of the burden. They would agree to no terms which made Sydney the terminus of the line, and in like manner Sydney would not bate a jot on that point. As no one scheme can please all, it would seem as if each colony was bent on having a mail route of its own ; and this, no doubt, would be the most satisfactory of any, provided the fin mees would be equal to the task. Melbourne already has taken a bold step in this matter, by sending notice of withdrawal from the P. and 0. contract, and by taking steps to establish a line of fast and commodious steamers round the Cape of Good Hope. This time-honored Peninsular and Oriental Company, then, after exhibitiuug of late such praiseworthy punctuality, must cease to run on the Australian side, since it cannot depend on New South Wales alone. Meanwhile, Webb’s line will have it all its own way, and there is a feeling that anything which connects ui with New Zealand ought to be supported.