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EXAMINATION OP CAPTAIN MAILLER. Saturday, 31st Mat, 1856! IBu the Chairman.—What class of vessel would be best suited for the traffic between the Provinces ?—An iron screw steamer of about 300 tons register and 80 horse power would be the best 2. What would be the average speed of such a vessel ?—Her speed would be about 8} or 9 knots an "T rXrJaTvefsroTthe above description that could be obtained in the other Colonies Yes' the " Lady Bird, Black Swan," and "Royal Shepherdess." These vessels were lately advertised for sale by auction, and in all probability either one or the other of them could Je procuxed. 4. By Mr. Fitzherbert.—What bonus would the owners of those vessels be disposed to take ?— F T Which of those" vesselTdo you consider the best suited ?—The "Lady Bird" would be the one'l should recommend. She has an average speed of ten knots, and has not been employed tor some time. r> Wbat number of cabin passengers would she carry ? —About 50 cabin passengers. 7. Do you think there would be sufficient traffic for two steamers ?— I do; I think every fortnight greater expense in having two steamers ?—No; two steamers might be °1 Ys\h° r it on°the supposition that they should belong to the same company ?—Yes. 10 Sunnosing there were two steamers employed, how would you propose that they should run . The best arrangement would be for the steamers to start from Wellington, one northward and the oth lT mSe would the trips take, supposing the vessels to start from Wellington ?_The trip could hp made in 14 days, provided that she could take in all her coals at Wellington. . . 12 Could there be any means of maintaining a regular postal communication with the neighbouring Colonies ?-A could be maintained with respect to postal communication in connection with the ncighbourin Col t^eMaiiukaii of much hindrance to steamers of the tonnage vessei of the power I have described would be able to take the bar at a time when one of the size of the "Zingari" would not.