THE 'FRISCO MAIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 230, 28 September 1899, Page 5

THE 'FRISCO MAIL.

A FASTER SERVICE PROPOSED.

"LONDON TO NEW ZEALAND IN 26

DAYS."

Mr J. H. Witheford, who has always taken a keen interest in the 'Frisco mail service to the colony, and has for some time past been in communication with Mr J. D. Spreckels, of the Oceanic Steamship Co., recently received from that gentleman some important information with reference to the improved service which is to be secured by the steamers now in course of construction.Mr Witheford immediately on receiving this information addressed a letter to the Premier, and also brought the matter under the notice of the. Auckland Harbour Board this afternoon. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr Witheford for the manner in which he has advanced the interests of the port in this as well as in other public matters.

The letter to the Premier, which Mr Witheford read to the Board, is as follows : —

"Auckland, August 31st, IS99.—Dear Mr Seddon, —I have received by the San Francisco mail a satisfactory reply to suggestions made by me to the Oceanic Company. I deem it as necessary before the colonies ag'TP to support a service to know what that service is capable of. I am further of opinion that to put the Pacific line on an improved basis and (-nsure its efficiency and permanency we must have the time fixed five or six years, so that no tempting offer from other parts can lose us the regular steamers; and that in the event of war nnd the closing of the Suez Canal we have the most speedy and best equipped vessels it is possible to procure, connecting with the American con-inent.

"This being 5000 miles nearer than any European port, in war time it would lessen the ocean risks, and the English fleet would protect the Atlantic liners, though possibly unab'e to spare the necessary vessels on the extreme length of the Eastern route. If you approved of arranging a service, on the following lines, it would be practicable: —

"New steamers of not less than 6000 tons, doing the trip at an average, speed of not less than 16 knots, delivering London mails in New Zealand in 26 days 7 hours, and 27* days from New Zealand to London. These steamers will be ready, I understand to start running in time for the Paris Exhibition. I have for some years been trying to induce the American companies (both steamer and railway) to unite in expediting the transport of mails. I have now much pleasure in laying before you the following schedule for a 21 days' service which tiltOceanic Company have indicated their satisfaction with, provided we give them reasonable remuneration.

The Oceanic Company have always pointed out that a really first-class service would require substantial recognition from the Colonial Governments in/view of the greatly increased cost of operating such a service. Probably your Government will take the initiative in making arrangements with the other colonies, whereby a lump sum could be offered in the neighbourhood of £30.000 annually for "a period of 5. to 7 years. "T am not personally or pecuniarily interested in any shipping ©orapany 1 have given prominence to the Oceanic. Company simply because under present conditions the service under the American flag may prove very advantageous. Their punctual deliverance of mails hitherto is also in their favour.

"The Oceanic Company have intimated their desire to promote the trade of the colonies and the islands of the Pacific, as far as lies in their power, and they have assured me that the new steamers will have plenty of capacity for freight on their return trips.—l am, yours sincerely, J. H. Witheford." Mr Niccol, who was presiding, said they were much indebted to Mr Witheford for all he had done in this matter. As Mr Witheford had already brought the matter under the notice of the Premier, the Board could do nothing further. Of course, it was all a question of what this fine service was going to cost. If it was only to cost £.10.000. then it would be well worth considering, for it would undoubtedly benefit the colony. As the Chairman of the Board was going to Wellington shortly, it would be well for the whole facts to be placed in his hands.