STEAM COMMUNICATION. FROM THE SYDNEY ATLAS MARCH 25.

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 195, 12 April 1848, Page 3

STEAM COMMUNICATION. FROM THE SYDNEY ATLAS MARCH 25.

The pamphlet by Mr. Montgomery Martin, written at the requeit of the India and Australia Mail Steam Packet Company, is one of the most complete and comprehensive documents of the kind we have ever seen. It presents the subject in every possible light, whether commercial, political, or social, and impart* a rast amount of knowledge, statutical and otherwise, which is employed in such a masterly manner as to impress the reader with an irresistible conviction of the truth and importance of the views advocated. So much so indeed, that we think there can now be very little difference of opinion as to the merits of the several, steam routes proposed. Appended to the pamphlet is a map of the proposed route (i.e. via Singapo-e), and of the places to be connected thereby ; also an ample return giving the latitude and longitude, the number of square miles and the amount of population and revenue, the value of imports and exports, the amount of shipping inwards and outwards, and the value of property, with the name; of the chief town of each of the plices so connected. And in treating the mbject the author has closely adhered to this order, the effect of which ii well exemplified in the perspicui'y and regularity with which his views are expressed. As we have already laid much upon the subject of steam communication with these Colonies, we do not think it necessary to enlarge upon the iubject now, particularly as ths views which wo I have always advocated arc so ably and comprehensively enfoiced in the pamphlet. With respect to the advantages of steam-communi-cation in general, and particularly the advisability of adopting a line which will comprise commeiciil as well as postal advantages, Mr. Martin observes, " What railroads have accomplished at home, steam navigation is now effecting for the maritime portions of the empire—binding our wide-ipresd territories in one coherent kingdom— giving it a unity of power which makes vastneis an advantage instead of a defect—and establishing a dominion which, rightly directed, may be rendered essentially instrumental for securing the peace and promoting the happiness of all the other nations of the earth. _ " As on long lines of railway.withsever alpopulous, wealthy, and commercial intervening stations, tho most lucrative traffic exists, so also on lengthened lines of steam communication* similarly advantaged with abundance of fuel, and comparatively amooth water, the moit profitable remits ensue. These advantages peculiarly apply to the line from England to India and Australia, by which the largest, the most populous, and the wealthiest possessions of the British Crown are united and connected, as well as the parent state with, the fairest and richest portions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the immense and almost untilled and unexplored regions of Australasia and th» Eastern Archipelago, whose varied resources will thus be developed, and contribute essentially to the wealth and power of England." As a contrast to this, we give his opinion of the Cape route, which is singularly concurrent with our own :—": — " And here it may be necessary to observe, that it is utterly impracticable to establish a regular and quick postal communication between England and Australia by the.Cape of Good Hope. Ist, By reaion of the great ocean distances to be travened without short intervening coaling stations. 2nd, On account of the distance between \he Cape of Good Hope and Australia (6,100 miles,) without any station whatever. 3rd, By the impossibility of any steamer returning; from Australia to the Cape of Good Hope during nine momhi in the year, when the wind blows a continuous gale fiom the Westward. 4th, By the want of intercourse or traffic between the Cape of Good Hope and Australia, which have no mutuality of interests." This is the opinion of a man whose comprehensive intellect, and large experience in Colonial maitcrs, render hia, peculiarly lilted to judge. The principal localities to be embraced by the proposed line, with the amount of their population and the value of their commerce are, according to the return we have referred to, respectively as followi : —

This will give the reader some idea of the vast intercoune and trade which the proposed line of it earn, communication will facilitate and increase. The articles of commerce of many of these countries, are welladapted for steam-conveyance. Unlike those of the Cape, and other countries on that line, they contain great value in small bulk, while the steamers ou the other hand, from the numerous facilities for coaling, which occur on the Indian route, will not be required to take in large quantities of coil at a time, so that they will be able to carry much more merchandize in. proportion to their size than would those on the Cape route. With most of the above placei~~to which doubtleis many ©then will be added when the line is once thoroughly established— the commercial and political interests of these Colonies, as well at those oC the mother country, are intimately and largely connected. It is therefore unnecessary to sty that it is our interest as well as our duty to to afford every aid and encouragement in our power to the India and Australia Mail Steam Packet Company. The following with which we shall conlude, will be read with interest :— " I say that after an examination of nearly all the colonies of England, New South Walei (in which he has liyrd,) is the prondest monument of the Christian civilization of our country. Founded with the refuse of gaols and prisons, peopled originally by the lowest class of emigrants, planted at the antipodes, as if ashamed of the outcasts, and afraid of their moral pestilence, yet has this extraordinary Colony become the centre of a new empire in the Southern hemisphere, from which all the blessings of Britain will radiate to millions yet unborn ; and future age* will contemplate with admiration and reverence, the natio that gave the criminal time to repent before he went to his final judgment ; turned the erring linner from hig way, and held forth a prospect to him of a useful, nay, happy life ; that with such means peopled the desert, and raised a monument to the glory of God by the dii» semination of His word among the isles of the South,, apd amidst myriad* who shall yet rcveie Hit name*

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COUNTBIES, POPULATION. COMMEIICE. Imports Exports Total. Gibraltar .... 15,008 1,500,000 1,000,000 2,500,000 Malta and Gozo . 130,000 680,000 380,000 1,060,000 lonian Islands . . 230,000 750,000 450,000 2,000,000 Aden 705 Mauritius . . . 174,900 1,143,177 1,503 855 2,647,032 Seychelles . . . 10,000 Bengal and Agra 75,000,000 7,500,000 9,000,000 16,500,000 Madras . . . 15,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 5,000,000 Bombay . , . 10,000,000 4,000,000 6,000,000 10,000,000 Ceylon . . . 1,421,031 5,000,000 4,000,000 9,000,000) Penang . . . 34,950 600,000 400,000 1,000,000 Malacca . . . 35,360 150,000 85.000 235,000 Singapore . . 90,000 2,450,000 3,550,000 6,000,000 New South Wales 165,000 1,616,230 1,697,800 3,314,030 Port Phillip . . 35,000 270,180 570,000 840,180 South Australia . 35,527 314,000 286,000 C 00,00» Western Australia . 5,300 25,225 72,434 97,659 Port Essington . . No returns. YD. Land. . 60,000 582.M5 587,605 1,178,I2» New Zealandlslds. 164,000 50,000 56,400 Io6,4o» Total.. 103,G07,42G £23,009,140 29,101,74 453,714,391