THE FRISCO MAIL SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 13013, 7 January 1907, Page 4

THE FRISCO MAIL SERVICE

THE CONTRACTING COMPANY'S SIDE. [Special'to the Stab.] AUCKLAND, January 7. Interviewed respecting the San Francisco mail service, Mr V. A. Sproule, New Zealand agent for the Oceanic S.S. Company, stated that ho thought there was every prospect of a renewal of the contract. " The Premier is just waiting for some definite assurance that our present service will meet tho requirements of the contract. We? hope very soon to be in a position to give that assurance." " In the meantime you are carrying our mails on the poundage basis?" queried the interviewer.

" Yes. Wo are getting the same revenue as if a contract were in existence, bnt without its security. We have done a good deal in the -way of fixing up the steamers in Sydney. We 6pent £5,000 in doing tip tho Sonoma,,' and if she had had a better class of fireman she would hare made better time on her trip to America, as the work done by Mort's Dock Engineering Com* pany wa<S very good, plaaanig both the contractor and the ship's engineers. The Sierra and Ventura havo had a partW overhaul in Sydney, and -we wrll effect, the bokuice of repairs that may be required in 'Ftbco. When that is completed, with good firemen, they will maintain as good speed as before." " What ie to be done regarding the suggested new steamers?"—" With regard to that, it is quite reasonable to think that it will depend a good deal on the proposal* now beforo the American Senate to givo steamers carrying mails a greater subsidy than at Tffeseirt. If these proposa's are carried ; —and we have every reason'to believe tliat tiiey will be—then the Oceanic Company will seriously entertain the idea of bui-lding or buying Wo new stenmeiß of larger tonnage and greater speed. Meantime, all we ask ia for a little patience on the part of the New Zealand pnblie. The company have done a good deal within the last few months to improve the present service, and, a« stated, if tbo Washington Government deoide to increase the present subsidy still greater improvements may bo looked for." '