'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8, 10 January 1902, Page 6

'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

SYDNEY, January . 6

Messrs Burns, Philp and Co., as agents of the Oceanic Company,, have forwarded letters, to the Federal Postmaster-General, outlining the company's Pacific mail service proposals. They, refer to the marked expansion of the America-Australian trade during the last ten years, and the probability of still greater expansion in the early future. As indications of future expansion and improvement of traffic in the Pacific, they mention that two 10,000-ton 30-knot steamers are now being built for the 'Frisco trade between 'Frisco and China, and other important developments between 'Frisco, Manila, and Honolulu, which are being pushed forward. The letter continues: "If the development of trade which seems to be foreshadowed is at all realised, both America and Australia will probably soon think a fortnightly service imperative." Dealing with the various routes, the letter suggests that the Sydney to 'Frisco route, via Suva and Honolulu, is the quickest. By this route it is claimed that the company could, without any increase in the present speed, carry the mails from Sydney to 'Frisco in 18 days. Its adoption Which would avoid a detour to New Zealand, would require special arrangements in the interests of that important colony. This couild be secured by running a steamer to connect with the Oceanic vessels at Suva. The New Zealand mails could then be carried through from Auckland to 'Frisco also in 18 days. It is true that this would be a day or two longer, but if the service became fortnightly, New Zealand would be better served than at present, for she would have a mail every fortnight instead of every 21 days. In regard to the service to London, via 'Frisco the company have already shown that letters can'" be delivered in 32 days, despite the detour to New Zealand. If a contract of importance were made, the company would be enabled to make special arrangements to make tine Pacific service fit in with The express trains across America, and the lines of swift steamers across the Atlantic, but without reckoning improvements _ still to be made, the company is m a position to offer an attractive contract for the conveyance of the mails Zht through to London Indeed, Sfssrs Burns, Philp ana Co. understand that the directors have already Lade representations to the Imperial Government on the subject.