§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Postmaster General, What were the sums paid to the Australian Governments on account of postages collected in the United Kingdom on Australian Mails during the years 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, l884, and 1885?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)The sums paid to the Governments of the Australasian Colonies on account of postage collected in the United Kingdom on correspondence sent in Australasian mails during the years mentioned by the hon. Gentleman were as follows:—In the year 1879, £56,722; 1880, £36,757; 1881, £34,750; 1882, £38,209; 1883, £39,911; 1884, £12,374; 1885, £50,515. I have to apologize to 950 the House for wasting its time by the presentation of statistics like these in a form which cannot be of any use to the public.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONsaid, his reason for asking the Question was that a contract was about to be signed for 10 years, thus closing the door to all reform. It was absoluely necessary for him to ask these Questions, as the preparation of the Returns might occupy the officials at the Post Office five or six months.