§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is yet in a position to give any information to the House as to the future dates of departure of the Australian mails for England from Adelaide?
§ * MR. RAIKESWith reference to the question of the lion. Member for Canterbury, I have to inform the House that the subject of the day of departure of the homeward Australian mails from Adelaide is still under the consideration of the Government. I may, however, say that the latest proposal is that the mails should leave Adelaide on Wednesday, thus arriving in London on Wednesday instead of on Monday as at present. This would involve a departure from Bombay on Sunday, instead of Friday; and I have therefore felt it necessary to consult the India Office, who are com- 1420 municating with the Indian Government on the subject. I am also endeavouring to ascertain the views of merchants and others engaged in the Indian, Australian, and China trade as to the feasibility of such a change.