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Departure of the English and French Mails, even this small advantage would be lost,
The question of the hour of departure may seem a small one, but it is not so in reality,
caused by an
for it must be remembered that any inconveniences caused by an inconvenient hour will recur fortnightly till it is removed. It is better therefore to attend to the point now than to have discontent and recriminations by and by. It is very desirable that the Port packets, like those of the Messageries Maritimes, should leave at noon, the hour of departure of the French packets cannot be altered on account of having daylight at the mouth of the Saigon river. Having consulted with Mr M. Eitel, the only member of the Chamber of Commerce I could get hold of this morning, I consider that a uniform noon departure of both mails would meet the wishes of the business and general community and would do away with the long and fatiguing day now caused fortnightly by the later hour fixed for the departure of the English Mail.
I have … A Lister Postmaster General.
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