PRICE OF THE CONTRACT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 159, 11 July 1906, Page 2

PRICE OF THE CONTRACT.

PROBABILITY OF NEW ZEALAND

, JOINING

(Received July 10, 11.20 p.m.) MELBOURNE, July 10. Tho price of the new service is £125,----000 annually; but provision is made for an acceleration of 24 hours and for reimbursement of expenses incurred, which are not to exceed £25,000 per annum. Provision is made in the contract for the acquisition of the steamers to be employed under it by purchase, or alternatively for their charter if desired. The port of registry will be within the Commonwealth, the vessels will fiy the Federal flag, and white labour, only will be employed on the vessels. Five tenders were received, the, accepted tender being the lowest. An agreement is made with Sir James Laing and Sons that there shall be three times the amount of cold storage that is r-.t present available. The tonnage of the vessels provides a minimum of 11,000 tons. Mr Deakin, replying to an interjection, was unable to contradict 'the statement that the vessels would go to Aew Zealand. That would not, however, affect their contract, and it would bo a fortunate thing if New Zealand joined, for it would then become an Australasian service.