A NEW MAIL SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 164, 11 July 1906, Page 4

A NEW MAIL SERVICE.

The difficulties under which Australia has so long laboured with respect to her ocean mail service seem now at last in a fair way to be overcome. Quite apart from the trouble that arose over the Federal Navigation Act and the; "White Australia" cry, the arrange- 1 ments under the old system were never satisfactory, so far as speed in transmission was concerned. What the Commonwealth needs is a really fast mail service which can be utilised also for Australia's large export trade. But under the restrictions imposed by the Navigation Act there did not seem much chance of securing these desirable objects, at least on anything like reasonable terms. So strongly was this felt that the Federal Navigation Commission, in the report which we discussed a few days Jfgo, recommended that the Commonwealth should set up a mail service of its ownj suppjyjng its own steamers and making its own arrangements. No doubt if all other expedients had failed the Federal Government would have carried out these suggestions. However, it now appears that Australia has been able to secure most of the advantage of a State-owned mail service without incurring any undue burden of expenditure. About six weeks ago it was announced in several London and Indian papers that the Cunard, the P. and 0., the Orient and the Pacific lines had arranged for a joint Eastern and Australian service. This rumour probably points to the fact that these great companies were included among the tenderers for the Commonwealth mail contract. Now we have the authority of the Melbourne " Age" for stating that the powerful organisation which has secured the contract does not include any oi the above mentioned companies. Hut the successful tenderers are said to be so powerful and so well armed against competition that they will have no difficulty in meeting all the require ■vents of the Federal Government; indeed, the "Age" holds that in all probability the new service will ultimately supersede the P. and O. line, as well as the Orient service, which h—-, nearly two years still to run. Our readers will see from the abstract of the agreement cabled to us that Australia has' secured very advantageous terms from the tenderers. For £125,000 a-year—about £50.000 a-year less than the older companies originally required—the Federal Government will obtain a mail service 60 hours shorter than the present service and 26 hours shorter than the P. and 0. schedule time as fixed in the Imperial contract. The steamers must register at least 11,000 cons, and will thus have a large amount of accommodation for frozen meat and other colonial exports The vessels are to fly the Federal flag, and must be run by white labour—stipulations which will, of course, be immensely popular in Australia. But so determined is the Commonwealth to regulate its mail service on its own lines that the new contract compels the tenderers to dispose of their steamers or their charter to the Federal Government if so required. We need hardly point out the immense advantages that will accrue to Australia through the settlement of the longstanding trouble about the mails In this age of rapid commercial expansion and industrial progress, speedy over-sea communication has become an absolute necessity for all countries that are not content to be left hopelessly behind in the race. So far as the colonies are concerned our dependence upon the markets of the Old World is so obvious that no one will dispute the value of the benefits conferred on us by the improvement of steam transport in recent years As to Australia, we heartily congratulate our friends across the Tasman S°a on having got over the black labour obstacle at last. But as to the general advantages of the new system, it seems more than probable that New Zealand is to .have some share in them.. In reply to a question asked in the Federal House Mr. Deakin admitted that there was nothing in the contract to prevent the new mail steamers calling at New Zealand ports It is not yet absolutely certain that the new service will include New Zealand. But considering the magnitude and the growing importance of our export trade, we may reasonably anticipate that efforts will be made to meet our needs; and in that case New Zealand will have the full benefit of the shipping as well as the postal facilities provided by Australia for herself. The following is Captain Edwin's weather forecast for 24 hours from nine a.m. this day: "Strong winds from between north-west and west and southwest, glass rise slowly, probably very cold night." f The Harbour Board has decided to take over from the Ferro-Concrete Co that portion of the Railway Wharf which is at present in use. The area comprises about one-fourth of the first contract, and includes the site of one of the wharf sheds. Practically all the indigenous birds of the colony have recently been brought under the Animals' Protection Act°bv means of Order-in-Council. The secretary of the Acclimatisation. Society, at the meeting last evening, suggested that the society should ascertain its position, for there would mean a large increase in expenditure if the society was expected to undertake the protection of all these birds. A report from the same committee was arranged for a future meeting.

The condition of the wood blocking on Queen-street Wharf was referred to at the meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday afternoon by Mr C. .0. Dacre, who moved, 'That the Works and Tariff Committee consider the advisability .of immediately placing Queen-street Wharf in such, a state of repair as will carry the heavy traffic, until such time as the various portions of the wharf will be removed." Mr W. 'J. W. Philson said that he hoped the motion would not be seconded. If they had confidence in their engineer they would know that he would report on the matter if it required attention. Mr J. K. Kneen, in seconding the motion, stated that he himself had seen one of the Union Co.'s trolleys fall through the wharf. The motion was agreed to. Mr. Justice Walker, in his reserved judgment respecting the case oi Campbell v. the A-M.P. Society, held that the Legislature having enacted that the society might carry on business "in or out of N.5.W.," the plain meaning of those words ought not to be cut down by a conjecture that it meant something quite different. If the words meant that the society's operations were to be limited to Australia, stating so in plain language would have been an easy matter. It was inconceivable to him that, having any such intention, the Legislature should have used the wide and perfectly general words contained in the Act. In his opinion the society, in deciding to extend its operations to the United Kingdom and British South Africa, was proposing to do I nothing that would be ultra vires. The j demurrers were allowed with costs. The R.M.S. Ormuz, which reached Fremantle early on June 26, had air- extremely rough voyage from Adelaide. Heavy weather increased to a whole gale near Cape Leeuwin, and large seas swept the vessel from stem to stern, and everything movable had to be secured. Iron bulwarks were bent and | broken in several places by violent waves, and one of the companion ladders was carried away. It was found necessary to ease the vessel down to four knots an hour off Cape Leeuwin, 'in order to prevent seiious damage. The Ormuz, which was some hours late in reaching Fremantle, sailed for London shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday. During a recent tour of inspection of the various charitable institutions in New South Wales, the Premier was very deeply impressed by the overcrowded state of the asylums, and the unsatisfactory conditions consequent upon the inadequate accommodation. Mr. Carruthers has now approved of arrangements for work going on to relieve the overcrowding. At the Rookwood asylum a new dormitory and weather-shed are to. be erected, and Liverpool Asylum will be relieved by the erection of buildings at Eckersley to accommodate several hundreds of patients. The Eckersley buildings will cost about £8000. and as the congestion at Liverpool is relieved, necessary works at the asylum there, which have i been partially carried out, will be completed without delay. Permission to erect a smithy and foundry in one of the allotments fronting Victoria Park was given by the Harbour Board yesterday. In moving that the plans be approved, the chairman, the Hon. E. Mitchelson, said that many complaints had been made against the Board leasing these allotments for purposes which might become a nuisance in the future. He had had a conversation with the Mayor on the subject, and Mr Myers had suggested that some other area should be leased for trades likely to cause a nuisance. He (Mr Mitchelson) pointed out that the Board had no other sites, and it was apparent that the Board should not refuse these applications when made. The whole of the sections were put up for lease by auction, find only a few were taken up. Under the conditions any person, might apply within 12 months for any of the remaining allotments and take them up at the upset rental. These factories, mills, etc., might be a nuisance, but it was now too late to open that question, which should have been raised when the Park was granted to the city. It was thoroughly understood at the time when the Board consented to lease Victoria Park to the city that the Board should have, the right to the frontages for leasing purposes. No stipulation was made as to what trades should he permitted to occupy the areas. The plans were agreed to. An immediate start is to be made in moving the buildings preparatory to widening and improving the approaches to the Hobson-street Wharf. It will be remembered that a few weeks ago a deputation from the Harbour ' Board waited on the City Council with a view to expediting this work, and it was then agreed to carry out the improvements at a cost of about £ 1400, the cost to he shared by the City Council and the Harbour . Board in equal proportions. Legal argument in a case wherein a Kaukapakapa publican, Walter Dyer, was charged with knowingly withdrawing beer from a cask without defacing the duty stamp, was heard by Mr. Kettle S.M., yesterday afternoon. Mr. S. Mays (on behalf of the Crown Solicitor) appeared for the Collector of Customs, and Mr. F. E. Ba;ame for the defence. Mr. Baume contended that unless it could be proved by the prosecution that Dyer withdrew beer from the cask, -with the absolute knowledge that the stamp had not been destroyed, he could not be convicted. As a matter of fact, Dyer's evidence showed that he did not know. Without calling on Mr. Mays to reply, his Worship gave his decision against the defendant, pointing out that he had been warned to cancel the stamp. Although there was a certain amount of suspicion he did not say that Dyer intended to defraud the* revenue. A fine of £5 with costs was imposed. At the last meeting of the Acclimatisation Society, Mr C. Wallace mentioned that large numbers of native and imported game were being destroyed by the laying of poisoned grain for rabbits. Several other members coincided with this statement, but it was recognised that wherever the rabbits existed in large numbers the poisoning must go on, and really the society could do little, especially as many settlers and natives were finding the rabbits a profitable soutee of income. Three tenders were received at the meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday for £100;000 of debentures of £ 100 each, redeemable in 1927. The first tender was at £97 10/, the nest at £96 12/6, and the third at £95. On the motion of the chairman the tenders, being all under par, were declined. They are now available for private sale. A solemn high mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Cathedral this morning in honour of the anniversary of the death of the Rev. Fr. Benedict. Fr. Holbrook was celebrant, and Frs. Cahill and Murphy acted as deacon and sub-deacon respectively. The Bishop presided, and a i large number of priests were alao pre•ent.

The retention at the Auckland Museum of the Maori pataka (food house) has involved the Council in an expenditure of £200, as has already been.stated in our columns; while the purchase and re-erection of the celebrated runa-_ nga house, Rangitihi, has necessitated the disbursement of a further £500, the total liability incurred being thus £700. A grant of £100 has been made by Government to the Museum authorities, which reduces the amount required to £600. As the finances of the Institute are quite unable to cope with this extraordinary expenditure, the public of Auckland have been appealed to. for assistance, and lists are now open. The following subscriptions have already been received: W. R. Wilson,. £25; T. Peacock, £10; J. H. Upton, £10; J. Kirker, £10; R. A. Carr, £10; Jno. Batger, £5; Jno. Edson, £5; Professor Brown, £5; D. L. Murdoch, £10; Brett Printing Company, £15. Subscriptions may be sent to his Worship the Mayor (Mr A. M. Myers), Professor Brown, Messrs. Upton, Kirker, and L. J. Bagnail, or direct to Mr Cheeseman, curator of the Museum. In consequence of a collision between an Auckland tramcar and a pedestrian on July 2nd, an electric car driver named Darcy Irwin Martin was summoned in the Police Court to-day before Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., for causing actual bodily harm to one Maurice Moore in consequence of his negligent driving. Sergeant Hendry prosecuted, and said that Moore was laid up in hospital. Probably he would not be well for a month, but if the case was adjourned for eight days it might be definitely known when the prosecutor could appear. Mr Endean, on behalf of the defendant, did not object to the adjournment, and Martin was remanded, being allowed bail in one surety of £25. The Southland Rugby Union has accepted Saturday, August 25, as the date for the up match against Auckland, the team visiting this province on that oeqasion for the first time. The first interprovincial match of the season will be played on August 11 against Canterbury. On the following Saturday Taranaki will he met, on August 25 Southland will be played, and on Saturday, September 1, Wellington will meet Auckland. This completes the list of rep. matches, all of which will be played in Auckland. The inter-union match agaist Waikato, at Alexandra Park, on Saturday next, will commence at 2.30 p.m. in order to allow the country team to catch the evening train to the Waikato. Messrs R Keals and Son, architects, have received the following tenders for the erection of a two-storey residence in Ponsonby: C. Clive, £877; J. M. Bambury. £869; M. Evans and Son, £828; F. Mantell, £825; A. Pollard and Son, £819; G. M. Handcock, £798; Johns and Son, £775; Craig Brothers, £735; C. Layer, £739; F. Matthew, £770; G. Braithwaite, £760; J. A. Penman, £759; J. Davis, £745; W. G. Smith, £730; R. Burns and Co., £708; C. Blomfield, £690. Mr C. Blomfield's tender has been accepted. At the meeting of the Auckland Harbour Bar yesterday Mr. C. C. Dacre stated that the city refuse, at present being dumped into the sea, was drifting into°the Lake beach and causing a nuisance. He suggested that the garbage was not being taken sufficiently far out. The secretary stated that the understanding was that the refuse was to be. taken so far out that it would not drift back on to the foreshore. The chairman stated that the matter would be .nquired into. The manager of the Costley Home,. Epsom, desires to thank the following ladies and gentleman for their various contributions to the Home during the past two months, viz.:—Mrs. and Miss Bramwell, various literature; Mrs. Geo. Bloomfield, Remuera, per Mr. Griffiths, large assortment of illustrated magazines; Miss Paton, fruit, etc.; Mrs. Norton, books; Mrs. Lonsdale Pritt, buns, etc.; Mrs. Bacheldor, case of fruit; Mrs. Wood, Devonport, books; Mrs. Stevens,' Remuera, magazines and ilustrated papers; Mrs. Hawkins, fruit, etc.; Rev. E. C. Budd, magazines, etc; Mr. Lewis, Papakura, illustrated papers; Mr. Witton, magazines; Mr. Wood, England, a former inmate, per Miss Parkes and party, lollies; Mr. G. A. Hardwick, Mt. Albert, illustrated papers. The work of Bible-classes was the subject of a conference last night between members of the Auckland Presbytery and Bile-class leaders, Sabbathschool superintendents, and teachers. The Rev. R. F. Macnicol (moderator) presided over a somewhat small attendance. The Rev. J. C. Jamieson, 8.A., travelling organising secretary, of the Presbyterian Young Men's Bible-class Union, was present. It was explained by the convener, the Reiv. W. Gray Dixon, M.A., that the subject for discussion would take the form of "How best to conserve, safeguard, and extend the work of our Bible-classes." Mr. Jamieson state fhat experience showed that a Sunday morning class was well suited for the more earnest Christian young men, but the popular afternoon class was better for those who were really aimed at. The main object of the movement was, though it might be strange to say it, not the teaching of the Bible. The object was the winning to Christ of young men who were hard to reach. Teaching the Bible was a means to an end, the foremost consideration being to get hold of those who were careless. A very satisfactory report was received in regard to the St. Luke's (Remtera) class, the Rev. G. B. Monro stating that the average attendance was 30, and the class had built a gymnasium, towards the cost of which it had already raised £86. Sir,—The Clevedon Branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation, at a meeting on July 7, passed the, following resolution: "While to some extent we differ with the views set forth by Mr Tregear in the letter which has given rise to the employers' ire, we support and claim the right for our Civil Servants to freely express their opinions and convictions." It seems to be a remarkable winter in the South. They are picking ripe raspberries at Amberley, and at Kaikoura fruit trees all over the district are coming into bloom. It is such a dry midwinter that settlers are burning off sections, and Kaikoura residents are carting water from the creeks! An object of interest is to be seen Just now at the house-boat on the Wanganui River in the form of a tame teal, or wild duck. Some eight or nine months ago it was observed to be hovering near the house-boat in a wounded condition. Breadcrumbs and scraps of food were thrown to it, and in time it became quite tame, and would cry out to be fed, if neglected for any length of time. Three or four months later it disappeared, and it was thought to have either died or had been shot. Last week, however, it reappeared, as tame as ever. It will come and eat out of the hand, and is a cause of great interest among tourists and others who pass through*

Last evening, about 5 o'clock, -■_____; •ion occurred at Newmarket tramcar and a spring-cart driven by a youth named Sidney SouthenrwoooY Just before crossing the Newhmrki* Bridge the horse took fright and -took the cart on to the tram fine. The c** had just crossed tne bridge from ParneU direction when the accident happened. The axle of the cart was broken and: the youth thrown on to the road. ForT tunately he escaped without, injury; The fact that New Zealand equips to - many mining graduates for export, an* not for home use, - received some attention at the farewell accorded by Otam University students to the Rhode! ''% scholar, Mr. R. A. Farquharson (says the "New Zealand Times"). It is a fact that men with certificates from New Zealand's schools of mines are to be found in every continent, and in most quarters of the globe; apropos of which Dr. Church j§reported as stating that "it had lately come to his ears that one reason way the mining graduates did not get employ* ment here was due to -a system of duramyism that went on. He understood that the proprietors of certain mines, rather than pay a highly-trained man, got a man _tr no registered qualification—a man who had had no training in any mining school, and who was probably paid a smaller wage than a graduate would be paid; and if an accident were to happen, the mine manager would be covered by some dummy who had a certificate and who was not to be found: in the > working during the day-time at aIL" Dr. Church also stater that the practice was absolutely illegal, and ought to bs stamped out. Another speaker thought that the fact of better employment being outside the colony should hot deter candidates from entering the mining course, i Nor is it likely to. The injury, if any, is not to the* graduates, but to the colony. New Zealand pays to educate them. for other people's use. For instance, it may be a graceful act tor this colony to, r staff with its graduates the mining schools of West Australia and other colonies, but it can hardly be regarded as, ; profitable to us. The fact is that other places pay bigger salaries. v The annual dinner of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, postponed from last month owing to the death of the Right Hon. the Premier, will be held on August 9. Members of Parliament sad r Ministers of the Crown will be invited to attend. . -:-. .1 "ipp^t. Smith and Caughey's fair I Ladies* dressing gowns (a few slightly soiled), reduced to half-price.—Ad. Soiled lace curtains, must be sold; aa, accumulation of the season's samples, marked exceptionally low. At Smith and Caughey's bargain fair.—Ad.'■'•:. Smith and Caughey's fair I Great reduction in maids' and waitresses' caps, from 6d to 1/6 each.to clear.—Ad. Dashing styles! 600 K.B. School.colonial tweed suits fit boys 4 to 14 at .: half-price; 30 dozen caps at 2d each; tarns at 1/. At Geo. Fowlds', Victoria Arcade.—Ad. ' ' ■ '\ 3% At the fair. Ladies' kid gloves 1/ pair, ladies' and children's hose 6d pair. Smith and Caughey's, .Ltd. —Ad. At McCullagh and Gower's clean sweep ' sale, a dress for 1/11£, in light green or dark tartan checks; a dress for 2/11, in cashmere, serge in navy, brown, purple, or green.—Ad. Ladies' umbrellas. Fair prices, at 1/11, 2/6, 2/11, 3/11, 4/6. Smith, and ' Caughey's, Ltd.—Ad. A specials job line of Slator's braid Canadian men's boots offered at 26 ]Ks|j4tj cent under cost. See.window. Smith Mmm Caughey, Ltd.—Ad. Stout, serviceable, stylish umbrellas. Goo. Fowlds will suite your- taste and purse. What more do you want f—Ad. Great reductions in towels, quilU and every description of Manchester; goods • during Smith and Caughey's great fair.— ' Ad. i " ~ Smart whiter jackets at nominal prices, 2/11, 4/11, 6/11, 7/11, 8/6, 10/8, 12/6 each; all 50 to 75 per cent under regular prices. They must be cleared. The sale, at Rushbrook and Bridgman's. -Ad. Smith and Caughey's Fair! Ladles' winter costumes reduced from 48/6 te ' 22/6 (50 only), from 39/« to 15/6.—Ad. Smith and Caughey's Fair! Ladies* winter jackets, 100 odd lines, reduced to 5/11 each to clear.—Ad. • Brace up, sir! Braces in all makes for everybody; also collars, ties, bows, gloves, links and studs at Geo. Fowlds'. —Ad. ' '-" Smith and Caughey's Fair! Ladies* strap-back full length tweed coats (6f only) reduced from 45/ to 29/6.—Ad. ; , At McCullagh and Gower's clean sweep sale, blouses, 1/6J, 1/lli, 2/6, 2/11; usual prices 3/11, 4/6, 4/11, 5/11.—Ad. At Smith and Cautjhey's great fair special value in blankets offered—English from 2/11 per pair, colonial from 14/6 per pair.—Ad. » Thirty pieces heavy 36in flannelette at 7/11 per dozen yard, at Smith 1 and Caughey's Fair.—Ad. ■'■:'■'] '-^M Slashing goods! Job white shirts 6/6 for 2/6, black cashmere sox, three pair; for 2/j Cardigan jackets reduced to 3/9. At Geo. Fowlds', Victoria Arcade.—Ad. Smith and Caughey's . Fair! . Forty | ladies' cravenette raincloaks, reduced from 19/6 \o 8/11; 45 ditto/reduced from 29/6 to 15/6.—Ad. At McCullagh and Gower's clean sweep sale, new silk and lace neckwear, 1/, 1/11, 2/6, 2/11, 3/6, 3/11.—Ad. Smith and Caughey's Fair! Ladies' ;. underclothing, inunense stock white flannelette and natural wool underclothing, all greatly reduced.—Ad. Smith and Caughey's fair! Great sacrifice of laces, 9d, 1/, 1/3, 1/6, 1/11 doxe» yards. —Ad. Extraordinary reductions! 500 men's tweed trousers reduced to 3/11; men's linen oilcoats 32/6, reduced to 15/6. At Geo. Fowlds'.—Ad. Smith and Caughey's Fair! Splendid solid oak picture frames, gilt slip inside, - 28x24, 5/11 each. Wonderful valuc-rAd At McCullagh and Gower's clean sweep sale, printed flannelettes, out they g©» 3Jd,"4Jd, sid, 6|d; maroon and sky-blue flannelettes 36in wide, usual price 7|d» out they go, 4jd per yard.—Ad. /- Smith and Caughey's Fairl Men's all-wool knitted drawers, reduced te 2/11 and 3/3.—Ad.

Smith and Caughey's fair! 60 ladies* ruffles must be cleared; 2/11 each, re- m duced from 6/11.-—Ad. ,\

Smith and Caughey's fair! Wonderful value in ladies' handkerchiefs, 1/ dozen, six for 1/3, six for 1/6, six for 1/11.— Ad. Smith and C*ughey'« Fair! A line of men's white shirts, all sizes, reduced te 2/11.—Ad. At McCullagh and Gower's clean sweeY sale, wool shews, out they go, 1/8, 1/1 L 2/3, 2/6, 2/11.—Ad. Smith and Caughey's fairl Splendid le* of dress trimmings to be sacrificed at ld» 2d, 3d yard; coloured drees enisiiisnts 8d dOHsv-Adi