PACIFIC MAIL SERVICES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7190, 7 January 1902, Page 3

PACIFIC MAIL SERVICES.

PROPOSALS FOR THE COMMON

WEALTH CONTRACT.

(By-Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Per Press Association.')

Svdkvv, January C>. Burns, Philp and Co., as agents for the Oceanic Company, have forwarded letters to tho Federal' Posiinastor-Gonc-ral outlining Pacific mail service proposals.

Dealing with the various routes the company suggests Sydney to San Francisco via Suva and Honolulu as the quickest. By this route it is claimed the company could without any increase in the present speed carry* mails from Sydney to San Francisco in eighteen days. Its adoption, which would avoid a detour to New Zealand, would require special arrangements in the interests ot that important colon}'. Tins could bo .secured by running a steamer to connect with the Oceanic vessels at Suva, The New Zealand mails could thon be carried through Auckland to San Francisco, also in eighteen days. It is true this is a day or two longer, but if the service became fortnightly. New Zealand would be better served than at present, for she would have a mail every fortnight instead o£ every twenty-one days.

lv regard to the service to London via San Francisco the company hns already shown (hat letters can be delivered in thirty-two days, despite the detour to New' Zealand. IE a contract of impoi'tanco is made Iho company will be enabled to make special arrangements to fit the Pacific service with the express trains across America and lines of swift steamers across the Atlantic, but without reckoning, improvements still to bo made, the company is in a position to oit'er an attractive contract for the .conveyance of mails right through to London. Jndeed, say Burns, Phillip and Co., we understand the directors have already made representations to the Imperial Government on tke subject.

Received January 7, at 10.55 a.m,

Sypxev, January 7. The Herald says that tho Oceanic Company's proposals ait- tempting. The olYse.t to the scheme are the objections to Great Britain to abandoning the Suez contracts, which" lit in with indio for Eastern arrangements. The objections of both Britain mul Australia' to pay large subsidies to a service carried on exclusively in American ships, under American contracts, and contemplated as part o£ American commercial expansion. Beyond those considerations it is of opinion now largely entertained that the day of maritime subsidies is drawing to a close, The trade will make it worth w))ile to tarry mail matter at a little more than cargo rates, and yet give us as quick a service as we nowhave. The .Daily Telegraph says the shipping connection is at the root of the matter. The American policy is crystallised in aggressive exclusive-ness. Even if some reciprocal arrangement between the Republic and the Commonwealth could be made, a condition would undoubtedly be made resulting in the .fact that the trade must bo curried in American ships. It is stating the proposal of the Oceanic Co, frankly and accurately to say it is that Australian money shall be spent to help the realisation of the "all American" idea in regard to the Pacific. Iv view of the fact tlint nn up-to-date British line can be obtained presumably at about the same price it considers it is not worth while tn give the Oceanic Company anything like largo' terms for an immediate J'ast service, with a shadowy chance of reciprocal trade with America all carried iv American ships, but tho money aspect is a minor one. The greater consideration is that for a small present gain the Commonwealth might do a great injury to its own and the Empire s shipping iuterests.