OCEAN STEAM COMMUNICATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 47, 9 January 1862, Page 2

OCEAN STEAM COMMUNICATION.

To the Editor of the Otago Daily Times.

Sir,—As the Panama route for Ocean steamers'is evidently drawing the attention of the public, and no doubt will ultimately become the connecting link of the great chain of steam communication round the world, I beg to submit one or two thoughts worthy of attention. The great secret of success in such a line depends upon the management and construction of the steamers. If this matter is. properly attended to, they will surpass any other route, in cheapness, time, and accommodation.1 There is a line (similar route) between New York and San Francisco, where fie rates ofpassage seldom exceed £15, steerage; £25, intermediate; nud £45, cabin. These boats carry from 1000 to 1500 passengers. I believe the steamers pay very well, notwithstanding their running opposition nearly six months out of twelve at about half the above rates. The cost of construction is not more than one-third that of some of our English steamers of the same capacity. I have travelled this route several times, and am pretty well acquainted with all the Ocean steamers, and I must say that for accommodation and management they are unsurpassed. If we had an independent line" from New Zealand to (Liverpool) England of such steamers as the " John L. Stephens" or " Golden Gate," it would be one of the roost profitable l;ncs in the world; the very fact of cheap rates (say from £20 to £50) through tropical seas nearly the whole way, would increase the passenger traffiee after the first few trips, to a weekly instead of monthly line. Persons bound to and from California, British Columbia. Peru, Chili, West Indies, North and South America, would take advantage of this line. It is surprising in this age of gold and progress, that some of the great steam-boat men have not opened up this route, and secured half the passenger traffic of the world. . I do not think that thpre is any great difficulty in transhipping freight, as the rail cars go alongside the steamers at Aspinwall they might do the same at Panama, when by this means, or Guam from Peru, the vessels that took coals might have a return freight. If a committee was formed to make the necossary enquiries, they would find it neither so costly nor so difficult as most people think. Were this, route opened up it would be impossible to conjecture the advantages that would accrue; half the travelling nabobs of Europe, and elsewhere, would be attracted for pleasure, health, or profit—the whole Pacific assume another aspect—the holy mission of civilization be extended—innumerable sources of wealth be opened up ; our own country covered with a network of railways; our iron and steel lands would be converted info machinery, and our forests into stately ships. Factories for our wool and flax, tanneries, ship-yards, founderies, would spring into existence, and every branch of industry would have a new impetus and confidence; then 'truly New Zealand would become the Britain of the South ; Australia, India, West Africa, China, North and South America, the Islands of the Pacific, would stand in the same relation to New Zealand as the rest of Europe, Africa, and America does to England. Any one studying the geographical position of New Zealand must be forcibly struck witli her fortunate position, her invigorating, mild, and exceedingly

fertile climate, her rich mineral and vegetable produciions, her fisheries, &c.; it has become a necessity nnO must be accomplished sooner or later. Australia is fast settling down to her rank amongst nations. Gold has boon discovered in New Zealand to keep lip the busy intercourse amongst peoples, God is with the work, and it must succeed. If the people of Otairo will put their shoulder to the wheel", they may accomplish one of the great events of 1862. 1 am, Sir, &c, ■ „ ■*■ To the Editor of the Otago Datlt Times. SIIAKSI'EItE HOTEI>, Dunedin, Dec. 8,1862. Sir, —In the police intelligence reported in your paper of to-day, you state that I was yesterday mulcted in the "sum of £50. Permit me to inform you that this is not the case. The only fine inflicted upon me was one of 45., with costs, amounting to 12s. I hope that you -will, in your issue of to-morrow, contradict this, and oblige. Yours, &c, T. B. Smith.