have been so far relaxed that, when our home papers arrive by steamer, they are delivered free of the tax which is still imposed when they come overland. But parcels from Shanghai, ie, whether from abroad or of local origin, or indeed from any port, are charged an additional ten cents per pound, however carried. This regulation does not seem to be generally known at the post offices elsewhere. 'The other day a correspondent was informed at the Shanghai office that "domestic" rates only were in force to Weihaiwei. The absurdity is that whereas a- parcel' for Chefoo is delivered without tax, a parcel delivered here off the the same ship and by a branch of the same office, should have to pay a tax of ten cents a pound. So fair, there does not seem to be any arrangement in force for the direct receipt of international mails by this office. The European mail is carried on to Chefoo even when there is a steamer for this place. Last week the mail for the fleet came in direct from Shanghai on Monday a.m., the rest of the mail was only delivered on Wedhestey p.an., havin; gone up to Chefoo and back overland Will not the British authorities speedily establish a post-office of their own? At present, whenever a Chinese post-office mail-bag passes through their hands, they open it for their own convenience, to obviate the delay involved in awaiting its contents from the Chinese post-office in the city. And the delay is always considerable. With a {fomayg wind both ways the water journey occupies a couple of hours, this only to be accepted asa minimum, and to this an hour may be added for the walk to and fromthe office. When it is mentioned that the office-does not seem to receive advices of expected steamers, it will be coen that the delay in the delivery of letters on the Island cannot but be considerable. Yet the best solution of the difficulty the British Authorities can find is to meddle with the locked and sealed bags belonging to another nation's post office, whenever the opportunity is afforded them by those bags passing through their hands. It does not add to the feeling of security as to one's mail to know that such things are done, bat it does add an argument, if one were needed, to show thut a British post office should be opened here without further delay—untess indeed, as is rumoured, Weihaiwei is shortly to: be transferred to the Germans. Then we shall have a post-office promptly enough. But would we need it?
Ships in harbour—Centurion, Grafton, Iphigenia, Alacrity, Phenix, Humber, Linnet, and the dredger St. Enoch.
16th May.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.