THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11056, 6 May 1899, Page 5

THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CITY COUNCIL TO CO-OPERATE. PUBLIC MEETING TO BE CALLED. At yesterday's meeting of the Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, there were present: Messrs. J. Burns (president), A. H. Nathan, Roberton, H. M. Smeeton, W. W. Philson, T. Finlayson, and the secretary (Mr. H. Goulstono). The principal business discussed was the San Francisco mail service and the proposal to run fortnightly boats, making Wellington an alternative port of call with Auokland. The President said he 'had collected certain facts, but the preparation of a complete statement of the position had not been finished. It was undesirable that a service should be instituted which would cause a delay to Auckland of 46 to 48 hours. Taranaki would suffer to the extent of 20 hours if Wellington were mado the port of call instead of Auckland. Hawke's Bay, the speakor thought, would remain neutral. On the other hand, if Wellington wore mado the port of call, that port and the Southern districts would gain from six to eight hours. Taking the next point— question of cargo —inward cargo for Auckland and Gisbornc would be 80 hours Into if the port of call were changed—the loss in time on cargo boing about 20 hours in going down and about 60 hours in returning to Auckland. As Auckland took about three-fifths of the inward cargo as against two-fifths in the South, this, taking quantities and times into consideration, would represent a gain to tho South of 40 hours at Auckland's expense. All tilings considered, the proportion in favour of Auckland being mado tho port of call was as two to one. Tho same argument applied to the outward cargo. As to Sydnoy, that port would suffer to tho extent of 16 hours if the steamers passed through Cook Straits, and in addition the wonthor in that locality was not usually so favourable as furthor North. So far as the cargo from San Francisco was concerned, a small proportion was landed at Auckland as compared with Sydney, and it would bo a serious thing for the American exporters if tho alteration had the effect of lengthening tho voyage by 16 hours. Mr. Finlayson said the Sydnoy people would surely oppose the proposal to make Welli lurton the port of call. Mr. Nathan did not think that the Sydnoy people cared much.

Tin President said the City Council had agraed to co-operate with tho Chamber of Commerce and therefore they should tako ri«]w to place the true facts relating to the position before the people of Auokland anil the membors of Parliament, who might be expected to sway tho Government. Mr. Graves Aickin (who, with Mr. M. A. Clark was present by invitation in connection with tho ouostion of securing a site from the Harbour Board for a Chamber of Commerce building) said the Mayor hid pointed out that tlioy could with reason look to Sydney for considerable support. A serious delay in the conveyance to, and landing of passengers at Sydney would bo caused if the proposod alteration wore mado.

Mr, Nathan exprossed the opinion that when the matter came boforo Parliament, the wholo thine would resolvo itself into a political —whether this or that would bo pleasant to members or not—and that the question of whothor the mails were earlier or lator would not be the point that would bo considered. The matter would resolve itself into a quostion of politics. Mr. Finlayson said ho hoped suoh would not bo the oaso.

Mr. Aickin said the Auckland Trndos and Libour Council were anxious to co-operate with tho Chamber in tho matter, and Mr. .1. Fawcus, tho Council's representative, was anxious to uncertain whether a public meeting was to bo callbd. 'Hie sneaker said there was a good deal of impatience manifeetoc" outside, and the question was asked : " What is to be done, and what is being done ?" The nitv Council and Hie Trades and Labour Council were anxious to work in cnnjuclion with tho Chamber of Commerco upon this important question. Mr. Clark said the only way to prevent the Government doint; an injustice to Auckland was to call a public meeting, and show the Government that their own members and supporters would vote against them on this question

Mr. Philson suggested that the desirability of nailing a public meeting should bo brought under tho notice of tho Mayor of the oity. Mr. Goulstono said that had already boon done, and the Mayor had ropliod that if tho Chamber would provide tho hall and pay tho oxponscs ho would call a public meeting. Mr. Philson said that was scarcely fair. Tho Chamber of Contmerce should not be asked to do everything. If they discussed the matter and affirmed (ho desirability ol holding a public meeting he considered tho Chamber had dono its duty. It was pointed out that the position had changed somewhat, as the Council had now agreed to 00-operato wiili «'ho Chamber. Eventually after further discussion, Tt was resolved, on the motion of tho President, "That Messrs. W. W. Philson, J. Reid, and Graves Aickin be appointed a committee to take charge of tho matter of calling a public mooting to consider tho question of tho San Francisco mail service, to act in conjunction with the City Council and decido us to timo and placo of meeting." MR. W. J. NAPIER INTERfIEWED IN WELLINGTON. [by TELEGRAPH.— comiesfondent.] Wellington, Friday. Mr. W. J. Napior, in reply to a Wellington intorviower, gives a now reason for tho retention by Auckland of the 'Frisco service. A great deal is heard in and out of Parliament about (ho advantages derived from the visits of tourists. Tho most beautiful scenery is to be found in Auckland provinco. Mr. Napier considers that tho Auokland people will, or should, support tho 'Frisco service to a man, With a 15-knot boat to take on the mail from Onohnnga every want would bo provided for. If tho Auckland peoplo will not stand up for this servico, thoy will probably lose it. No political oandiaato should have the least chance of acceptance if he did not do his best to have this service retained. Mr. Napier adds: "Itis a matter of surprise that Wellington citizens are not satisfied with what they have already got from Auckland. Tho Sail Francisco mail service is almost tho only thing of valuo wo have left, and that you are now threatening to tako away; but your publio men and politicians should be assured of this, that Auckland is serious on this quostion, and speaks with ono voice. For many years past Auckland pooplo have been pursuing democratic ideals, while the more practical people of Wellington and tho South Island have been attending to the loaves and fishes. This policy has gone on long enough, and has resulted in tho Provinco of Auckland boing roadless, while everywhere down hero you havo fine metalled roads and railways radiating to all parts of your own and adjacent provinces. We had a political phalanx once before, and wo may havo one again, to provent further spoliation."