THE COMMONWEALTH MAILS.
DESPATCH FROM THE COLONIAL SECRETARY. / EMPLOYMENT OF LASCARS. A COMPARISON OF ROUTES. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, May 26. In his despatch in reference to the employment of Indians on mail steamers Mr Chamberlain points out that tho Indian Mutiny Act pledges the British Government to grant to the inhabitants of India the same recognition and almost the same rights as the other subjects of the Empire. Therefore, it is impossible to join the Commonwealth in a contract debarring their employment on mail 'boats. He endorses the necessity for accelerated speed in future agreements, and urges that the new contract need not extend beyond three years. By that time possibly quicker communication may be obtainable. In regard to the suggestion for building a trans-Continental line to Port Darwin, so that the mails might be sent over the transSiberian Railway, Mr Chamberlain is of opinion that the malls could be landed in England much faster by the trans-Siberian line than by the sea route.
A statement has been made in Melbourne that by accelerating the Vancouver mail service, and bringing one of the boats now employed up to the speed of the other two, an increased subsidy of £15,000 would be required.
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Bibliographic details
Lyttelton Times, Volume CIX, Issue 13137, 27 May 1903, Page 8
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205THE COMMONWEALTH MAILS. Lyttelton Times, Volume CIX, Issue 13137, 27 May 1903, Page 8
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