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The 'Mayo Composite' moments after a trial separation. The release mechanism for the S.20 upper long range mail plane was surprisingly complex. Both aircraft were unique, one of a kind articles, the S.21 being based on the S.23 Empire Flying Boat, but had a wider chine to support the weight of the upper aircraft.

What make of seaplane?

This is a Royal Air Force Saunders-Roe A.27 London II flying boat, belonging to No. 203 Squadron. Unfortunately, given the angle of the photo, it's difficult to discern the aircraft's RAF serial number. Here's more: aeropedia.com.au/content/saunders-roe-london/

[A] further flight by RAF long-range flying boats was made to [Australia] in December 1937, these being a flight of five Saunders Roe Londons of No 203 General Reconnaissance Squadron fitted with a special long-range fuel tank above the hull. In early 1938 these aircraft (Serials K5908, K5912, K6927, K6929 and K6930) were flown to Sydney, NSW for the Sesquicentenary Celebrations. This was part of an overall return flight of 48,279 km (30,000 miles) commencing at Plymouth in the UK, being made via the Middle East, India, Rangoon, Singapore and Batavia in the Dutch East Indies. The flight was commanded by Wing Commander K B Lloyd AFC. The Sydney celebrations took place from 25 January to 7 February 1938. These five aircraft were London IIs with Pegasus X engines providing 787 kw (1,055 hp) for take-off, and differed from other aircraft in having three-blade fixed pitch propellers and long range fuel tanks increasing range to 4,184 km (2,600 miles).[

I am sure this incident would have been well recorded in the local newspapers at the time?

Talk about getting home for tea!

Or an early Martini - shaken *and* stirred!

Wow!

Great photo, I believe the plane was being used to deliver mail to the infantry barracks which was just across the street.

Waterford Infantry Barracks