The question whether the Commonwealth has constitutional power to conduct an interstate mail and trade service between Tasmania and the mainland has been re-ferred to me for advice by direction of the Postmaster-General.

There is no Commonwealth legislation in existence to authorise the establishment of a mail and trade service by the Commonwealth between Tasmania and the main-land, and, in the absence of such legislation, I doubt whether it would be practicable to establish such a service.

But, in my opinion, the Commonwealth Parliament clearly has power to legislate for the establishment and carrying on of such a service by the Commonwealth or any authority under the Commonwealth.

[Vol. 10, p. 396]