THE PRODUCE-CARRYING CONTRACTS. [special.] London, sth August.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 32, 6 August 1895, Page 2

THE PRODUCE-CARRYING CONTRACTS. [special.] London, st h August.

Shippers generally admit that a powerful ring exißts, and that the shipping companies are working under a mutual agreement, as to the Australian prodnce-oarrying oontraots. The exouae pub forward for not tendering was that the conditions wonld reqnire weekly boats, involving 28 trips in five months. They also objected to the power given to dismiss a steamer empty at short notioe. fPBEBB ASSOCIATION. ) (Received August 6, 0.80 p.m.) Melboubnk, This Day. With reference to the non-reoeipt of tenders for the export oontraots, the Premier attributes the failure to the aotion of a shipping ring. A special mooting of the Cabinet will be held next week to consider the matter, and prompt steps will be taken to seoure for the produoers the relief which cheaper ocean carriage pan alone afford The present contracts with the steamship companies will not expire till next Hay, and producers may rest assured that before that time the Government will have arranged more reasonable rates of freight. The' Age, commenting on the matter, says there are good grounds for believing that the Cabinet will use the power connected with the mail subsidy to seoure the object in view. If the mail companies will not reduoe the freights, and will exeroiso the powers of their great combination to exclude competition from the Australian trade, the only oourss left open for the Government will be to withdraw the subsidy on the completion of the existing postal arrangements, and transfer it to some company whioh will make the oonoessions asked for. It is probable an Intercolonial Conference will be arranged to disouss the matter. It is considered unlikely that New South Wales will join in any action which will deprive Sydney of the advantages she enjoys :.& the terminus of the mail servioe ; but South Australia and Victoria are at one on the subjeot, and a united contribution of the two to the amount •now paid as a mail subsidy will have oon. siderable influence in securing* cheaper and more efficient service, the terminus of whioh will be Melbourne. , ,