D.—No. 7,

No. 8. ME. B. MOOEE TO ME. ROWLAND HTLL. A.USTEALTAN MAILS. Winchester House, Old Broad-street, London, E.C, Sth October, 1858. 8 18,- — Referring to the interview with which you favoured me yesterday, I beg to forward you the extracts of Sir E. Belcher's evidence to which I referred. Were the distance stated in one answer only, it might be treated as an error, which, in fact, when I first read the report, I considered it. But, having checked the distances by nautical calculations which agreed within a margin of 150 miles, more or less, I felt convinced that Sir Edward, who is indisputably the most competent authority, is positively exact. I am anxious to establish this fact ; for, irrespective of our own practical working of the line, (which would not be prejudiced, on that course and within the limits of time we have stated, by a difference of 1,000 miles), it is desirable that you should be satisfied as to this seeming paradox. The actual distance stands thus : Nautical miles. Queenstown to Colon ----- 4,282 Isthmus transit ----- 40 Panama to Syduey, via Gambier's Islands and Cook's Straits - 6,574 10,896 I am, &c, R. Moore. Rowland Hill, Esq., Ac. &c. Ac.

Enclosure in No. 8. EXTBACTS FROM THE EVIDENCE OF SIB EDWAED BELCHER, E.N. From First Report (ordered sth .Tune, 1851), "Steam Communication with India," &c. Captain E. Belcher, R.N., Sth May, 1851, p. 259 :— 1908. " Can you state the difference in distance that a screw steamer would run from Panama to Syduey as compared with a paddle steamer P—-If the Company had a coal depot at Gambier's Group, the distance across by Gambier's Group to Sydney would be 6,574 miles; here is a map of the direct route from Panama through Gambier's Group (producing the same) ; it would be further windward in coming back, which would be particularly advantageous to a screw steamer." Again, at page 260: — 1914. " It would be 8,128 by the Huaheiue (Tahita) route, and 6,574 by the other route." And further, when required to trace the course outward and homeward on his map, he says, p. 270:— 1998. " The calculation you have given is on that route ? —lt is."

No. 9. me. t. day to mr. Rowland hill. Proposed Austral tax and Pacific Company. Winchester House, Old Broad-street, E.C. sth October, 1858. Bo,— By the direction of Mr. Moore, I have the honor to submit the enclosed papers, a* justifying this Company's project. 1. An explanatory note. 2. The corrected proof Prospectus of the Company. 3. A table of distances of the several routes, now under consideration, with a synopsis of the distances, and pro forma list of sailings for the Company's liners. 4. A tender this day delivered to the Secretary of the Admiralty. I have, &c, T. Day, Secretary pro. tern. Rowland Hill, Esq., &c. &c. Ac.

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PANAMA MAIL SERVICE.