THE DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3560, 6 December 1882, Page 4

THE DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

With reference to the recent announcement that the Government had extended the period in -which tenders would bo received for the direct steam service, we (Evening Post) understand that the extension of time wns decided upon finally through representation being made that iS'ew Zealand companies tendering would be placed at a disadvantage owing to the shortness of the notice at first given, and partly because it was thought, on reconsideration, advisable that the Agent-General should submit to tho Government the full terms on which he proposed to invite tenders before such an intention was actually advertised. Accordingly full and elaborate instructions were sent to Sir Dillon Bell by the last San Francisco mail leaving Wellington on the Sth instant. These he will receive in December, allowing him ample time to consult those persons at [Homo whom he may deem most competent to advise, and to submit to Government the scheme of proposal drawn up by him as tho result of his experience and consultations as to most judicious mode of proceeding. On Ministers receiving his draft proposals they will make any alterations that may seem advisable, and notify the _\gent-General by cable: also probably advertising in this colony the nature of those proposals as finally agreed upon. This will enable Sir Dillon Bell to advertise in London for a sufficient time, and also will allow of colonial shipowning companies communicating with their London agents by mail, nnd sending full instructions as to tendering on their behalf. In this way it is believed a fair and ample competition will be secured without undue advantage being given in any direction. It is understood tbat tbe New Zealand Shipping Company will tender, but will have a, service of their own definitely in operation beforehand. It is also rumoured that Government have received intimation that the Union Steamship Company will be among the tenderers as well as tho new firm formed by the combination of Messrs Shaw Savill, and Co. with tho Albion Shipping Company. We have previously mentioned that Messrs Sloman, of Hamburg, the owners of the Sorrento, would most likely tender, and also that other companies were expected to do so. If all these expectations should be realised therejwill be no lack of competition for the privilege of supplying New Zealand with a direct steam service.