Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 425

STEAM COMMUNICATION FROM EUROPE

AND AMERICA TO CHINA.

DECEMBER 26th, 1844, an agreement, was formed between the Pe- ninsular and Oriental Steam Company and the British Lords of the Admiralty, respecting the conveyance of mails between Suez and Calcutta, and between Point de Galle (Ceylon) and China.

The mails are to come on from Suez to Aden in 144 hours, and to remain there 48 hours; thence to Galle in 247 hours, or (if they do not touch at Galle) to Trincomalee in 282 hours, and to remain 48 hours and thence in 35 to Madras,-or to remain at Galle 48 hours, and in 60 reach Madras; or, if they touch at both places, they are to reach Trincomalee in 34 hours from Galle, remain 12, and be at Madras in 35 hours. To reach Penang, 140 hours from Galle, or 137 from Trincomalee; in 45 to go on to Singapore; stop there 48, and reach Hongkong in 170 hours.

Thus if by de. Galle, from Snez to Hongkong, running 144+ 247+140+45+170=746 hours; stopping 48+48-+48=144 hours, or in all 37 days and 2 hours.

The contract is to be in force for seven years from the 1st January 1845, and then twelve months' notice of discontinuance to be given before the contract shall cease. Between Ceylon and China the communication commenced on the 1st of August, 1845, with vessels of 250 horse power. The steamers are to be of 250 horse power till June 1846, and then 400 horse power, and are to leave Hongkong on the 1st of every month, except in May, June and July, then 5 days earlier.