THE "AIL-RED" ROUTE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13358, 25 February 1909, Page 5

THE "AIL-RED" ROUTE.

(r_OJt A CORBESPONTKNT.) WELLINGTON.-February 24. 'Our position is exactly the same as before," said Sir Joseph Ward, when 4-sked by a-"Dominion" -reporter how Australia's decision mot to co-operate in the "All-Red Route" scheme would affect Xciv Zealand. "There is no reason why Great Britain and Canada and New Zealand should not carry out the 'All-Red' mail route scheme without the assistance of Australia. At tho same time, it must bo recognised that the withdrawal of Australia makes it more difficult to bring about the arrangement. An ideal service should include Australia, this being desirable both from a financial and Imperial point of view. I have always •recognised that the desired object cannot be brought about in a hurry. Wherever three or four Governments are asked to co-operato there is bound to be more or less difficulty and delay because more parties (have to be consulted, and. -it ib rnbre difficult to agree upon a common basis. The action of Australia will doubtless cause further delay."