Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), Thursday 28 January 1847, page 3


POST TO AND FROM AUSTRALIA AND VAN DIEMEN'S LAND BY STEAM.

We think this subject of great importance, and that the suggestion of the writer of the subjoined letter ought to be given the greatest publicity to in those colonies, and

also in London by means of the Press on both sides the globe. (To the Editor of the Hongkong, Register.) Her Majesty's Steamer Vulture, Hongkong, September 21st, 1846 Sir,— The rapid strides of steam have extended

its usefulness, under the auspicies of the enter-prising P. and O. Steam Navigation Company during the past year to this distant station, and anticipating a yet further extension to the more salubrious climate of Australia, of which a more ready communication than hitherto is most desir-able; I am led by the article in the SWAN RIVER INQUIRER, relating to this subject, to offer an opinion, and endeavour to show by what route those interesting colonies, at present as remote from each other as from the mother country, might be brought together and share alike in the advantages, whether political or domestic, about to be offered. It is a well established fact, that during the months of November and April (inclusive) along the North Shore of Australia, and Torres Straits, the N. W. Wind blows, and during the remaining portion of the year the S. E. trade is steady. It is also observed that during the N. W. moonsoon on the North coast of Australia, easterly winds prevail more or less, though not to be depended on, on the south coast through Bass's Strait; and in the opposite season I am disposed to think the S E. trade hangs more E. S. E. and easterly, and certainly the westerly wind is met with in a lower latitude on the west coast. Upon which data I will base the following pro-positions, viz.:---1stly. That during the months of November and March inclusive, the Australian branch leav-ing Singapore should proceed via Port Essington ana Torres Straits to Sydney, returning south about through Bass's Strait, calling at George Town (Tasmania) or Adelaide, and Swan River. 2ndly. That during April and October in-clusive, leaving Singapore should proceed via Swan River, and Bass's Strait to Sydney, return-ing through Torres Straits. In point of actual distance, I conceive there is only 600 miles in favor of the eastern route, which becomes nullified by the prevailing winds favoring each route in the proposed seasons, viz.:

the communication with Sydney will be about equal throughout the year. Port Dalrymple (George Town) appears a more convenient intermediate station between Sydney and Swan River, then Adelaide, there being about 200 miles saved, besides the claims of all Tasmania entitling her to the preference. With respect to the two routes of Torres Straits (commonly designated the Inner and Outer,) I should make choice of the Inner, as with the use of Captain P. P. King's excellent chart of the north-east coast, with the subsequent additions by Her Majesty's ships Beagle, Fly, and Bramble, the navigation within the Barrier reefs may be compared to that of a well buoyed harbour, with smooth water, (a luxury always fully appreciated by steam vessels.) Wishing all prosperity to Australia. I remain, Sir, Your obedient servant, CRAWFORD PASCO, Lieutenant, R. N.