PARLIAMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 253, 23 October 1905, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

CBy Reporter.*

10KENOON SITTING.

f • . WELLINGTON, this day. I SOUTH AFRICAN «TF.A\T SERVICE. In the House of .Representatives this , morning Mr Taylor asked what the Government's intentions were regarding renewal of subsidy to- the Sbutfis African service. Mr Henries declared that the principal benefit went to Australia. Mr Massey said the trade was rapidly falling off, and we were • not gettinir value for our money. Australians vreiCallowed to forward cargo at much lower rates than New Zealand. He suggested a service direct from the colony to Africa. Mr Seddon said it was in the interests of every farmer that there should be connection between New Zealand and South Africa. Mr T. MeKenzie strongly opposed discontinuance of the service. The colony had paid subsidies totalling £90,000, and the company spent in New Zealand £85,000. A million and a half pounds' worth of stuff had been carried. Replying; Sir Joseph Ward said the present contractors would not carry on the service owing to the loss sustained. Assuming the service was to be continued, all companies would be given an opportunity to tender.. A line of refrigerated steamers to South Africa would cost under £100,000 a year, if Australia were left out. The Government had requests from all over the colony to continue the service. But for this, aerviee the West of England service, which was not subsidised, would not have been obtained. Under arrangement the service would be continued after the South African contract had been eomeompleted. Asked whether those who opposed the steamers calling at Australia had a similar objection regarding the San Francisco sendee, of which Australia got the greater benefit, Sir Joseph said that the Government knew this, but could not get it any other way At a cost of £20,000 a year they got a greater direct return from the South Ifrican service than the San Francisco service. He would not give a penny for a service if the steamers were apt refrigerated. It was impossible to fill the insulated space in New Zealand, md the vessels must call at Australia 3a stated that the" Government would :all tenders for a new service on expiry of the present contract.