CABLE NEWS. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Feilding Star, 16 May 1907, Page 4

CABLE NEWS. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

[BY BLBOtBIO TELEGRAPH — COPVBIGHT.] [Pift PBBSB ASSOCIATION.] London, May 15. At the Confeience, Sir Wilfrid Lautier submitted a resolution favouring the establishment of a mail service between Australia and New Zealand via Canada. The proposals were divided into two parts, one affecting the Atlantic and the other the Pacific. It was proposed that the Atlantic service should equal the existing service to New York, saving two days. As the difference in favour of Halifax is 900 miles, he allowed four days on sea and four across Canada by means of accelerated service of at least 18 knots, which would bring Sydney within 24 days of London. He admitted it would be difficult to start such fast steamers immediately. The cost would be borne by the several contributing Governments in equitable shares. Canada would contribute to both shipping services, as she is interested in the maritime trade of both oceans. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's proposal contemplated improving the existing service to China and Japan, and he hinted that Canada is prepared to subsidise up to a quarter of a million. Mr Deakin warmly commended the proposal so far as Canada was concerned, but he doubtei if Australia and New Zealand could obtain a service quicker than they already possessed for a reasonable price. Owing to two transhipments the lino would only do for mails and passengeis. Australia was encouraging swifter means of communication through the Suez Canal and by the Cape, which saved transhipment, but she was interested in both eastern and western routes. If such a project as Sir Wilfrid Laurier's could be placed on a sound financial basis Australia's interest for postal purposes might almost equal New Zealand's. Sir W. Lyne feared that a very large subsidy will be required and it would probably take 30 days to reach Australia via New Zealand since it would be necessary to stop four times before reaching Sydney. The present trade was not great, but he thought Parliament would look fa/ourably on the scheme which was certainly desirable and deserved enquiry. He understood the last three knots yould double the coal consumption. Sir Joseph Ward was greatly disappointed at the suggested speed, which certainly would* not satisfy New Zealand, since it would oflly bring her within 28 days of London, which she had already enjoyed via San Francisco. It was impossible to get a fully equipped fast mail service unless Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand joined hands, paying a subsidy of £300,000 to £400,000. Such a sum divided among all would fall comparatively light, and it ought to supply a 23 knot service from England to Canada, also a 20 to 21 service from Vancouver to Australia and New Zealand, stopping at places like Honolulu, Suva and Auckland, comparatively short distances apart with suitable coaling depots. High speed could bft maintained if modern high nowerea steamers were provided, but it was not worth while paying a high subsidy for a24or 26 day service. It would be necessary to make New Zealand the first port of call. If the steamers called at Sydney first and New Zealand last, New Zealand last, New Zealand would not contribute. Sydney must be the terminal port where the steamers would remain fully a week coaling and overhauling. If they touched New Zealand first it would only be necessary to remain a few hours. New Zealand now provided £40,000 a year, but would give £100,000 towards a swift mail service bringing the colony within 20 days of England. Canada and Australia could save all the money they are spending on immigration if they establish a fast service .with adequate third-class accommodation with cheap transit to and across Canada. He preferred to spend New Zealand's money in sap* porting an all British route, and a fortnightly service to making a direct grant to emigration. The Suez route takes six weeks, tending to keep New Zealand in the backwoods, while the scheme he favoured would revolutionise communjeation. He urge-1 that tenders be invited with the view of ascertaining the cost of 18, 19, 20 and 21 knots service. New Zealand would not remain without direct service of mails and passengers to England. He urged co-operation among British possessions. _ Unless the matter was approached in a broad spirit, New Zealand's only alternative would be to increase her subsidy and revive the service across the United States. He hoped that would be unnecessary, but something might be done without unnecessary delay. Mr Moor remarked that if the Japan and China lines were included the "all red" route would become yellow. Mr Lloyd George regretted Sir Wilfrid Laurier's proposal had not been submitted in time to enable Government to put forward considered views. The discussion showed how difficult the problem was. If great speed was essential the cost might be absolutely prohibitive. The best plan would be for these proposals and others which might be submitted, by Australia for instance regarding the Suez route, to be the subject of expert investigation by representatives of the British and Colonial Governments. It was possible the effect of completion of the Panama Canal would be an important factor. Sir Wilfrid Laurier was delighted that New Zealand thought the proposals did not go far enough. The matter was not one for experts but a question of policy. He was prepared to amend his resolution to secure harmony. The resolution was finally carried unanimously in the following terms: — " That this Conference is of opinion that the interests of the Empire de raand that as far as practicable its different portions should be connected by the best possible means of mail communication, travel, and transportation; that it is advisable that Britain be connected with Canada and through Canada with Australia and New Zealand by the best service available within reasonable cost ; that for the purpose of carrying the above project into effect such financial support as may be necessary should be contributed by Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in equitable portions. rpBB PBBSS ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, May 15. Referring to the proposed new steamer service Mr J. W. Henton, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said : " What we want as commercial men is above all a dependable mail service to avoid such irritating delays as occurred during last year of the 'Frisco service. A three-week-ly service woufcL sajt very well, though if it could be arranged at not too great cost a fortnightly one would be preferable. "England to New Zealand in 20 days" iff a good catch phrase, and though it would not be safe to say such a thing is impossible, I am afraid that at present it is "only" a phrase. A 25| knot service across the Pacific is a great jump from the 16 to 17 knots of the late 'Frisco boats, and could only be obtained at great cost. A26or 28 days' service from London to Wellington would be acceptable. If less, so much the better. I would point out that the Suez route, if Government would arrange with the U.B.S. Co. for their boats to connect, forms an admirable subsidiary mail, and' in connection with the 26-28 day service > already mentioned would easily give practically a fortnightly service. I trust that as Britishers we should, all things being equal or nearly equal, favour an "All Red Route."