You have doubtless been already ap prised of the contemplated reduction in the postage of newspapers via Panama. The increase to 4d a newspaper, made a sensi ble diminution in the mail per Mataura, though a large number were posted before the increase came into force. I see it stated, in oae of the newspapers, that the Panama Railroad Company have charged eleven pence per pound for mails, and two pence half-penny for passengers' luggage ; but this perhaps is a mistake, as by their correspondence I learn that the Post master-General applied that newspapers, books, and pattern parcels, might be re duced to 4d a pound, which I presume to be the lowest charge trade. The Company have complied with that request, and in* formed the Home Government of the re duction in January last, The newspapers by our next Panama Mail will therefore be charged 4d, but afterwards only 2d—one half of it being a Home postal charge. From New Zealand, newspapers will only be a penny. I hope that ere long the Railroad Company will make further con cessions ; for as they actually charged the poundage of lid on the boxe3 containing the Mails—one pound seven shillings each, recourse was obliged to be had to bags, the cost for transmission of which amounts only to two or three shillings. Bags, as experience has proved, do not bring out the Mails in such good order as do the boxes.
Colonel Haultain is still very ill. He had recovered sufficiently to leave Tau ranga for Poverty Bay, but suffered a relapse. He did not come on to Welling ton by the Lord Ashley thte morning; but I hear the Sturt will call, and bring him on in a few days.
VICTORIA.
