[146] The evidence more particularly referred to is that of Mr. Louis, the Surveyor and Superintendent of mail coaches, who had a thorough knowledge of the details of the service under his control.
[147] This amount includes the cost of the inconsiderable extent of railway mail service at that time in operation.
[148] Only a portion of the bags which these mails formerly carried is now sent by the London and North-Western Railway.
[149] This statement, as regards weight, is completely refuted at pages 85, et seq.—C. P. R.
[150] In 1856 the Eastern mails were only forwarded twice a-month, viâ Marseilles. They are now forwarded four times a-month, or forty-eight times a-year. From and after the 1st of February, 1868, they will be despatched weekly, or fifty-two times a-year. The average number of boxes despatched on the three nights of each month, when the Australian mail is not forwarded, is 178; on Australian mail night the number is 374.—C. P. R.
[151] The successive Reports of the Postmasters-General, from one to twelve, both inclusive, abound in misstatements similar to the above. They are very discreditable to the department.—C. P. R.
[152] Since the 1st of October, 1860, the mail trains run twice a-day in each direction between London and Holyhead, in 6 hours 35 minutes. The distance is 263 miles.—C. P. R.
[153] In consequence of the service now being performed by the finest steamers in point of speed at present afloat, in 3½ hours, instead of a minimum of 4 hours 40 minutes, in 1856, the price paid is £78,000 a year.—C. P. R.
[154] The Royal Commissioners upon railways disapprove in their Report, dated 7th May, 1867, of the Post Office becoming parcel carriers. See ante, page 122.—C. P. R.
[155] This mis-statement is dealt with at page 80.—C. P. R.