THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11199, 20 October 1899, Page 5

THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

MEETING OF AUCKLAND MEMBERS. [by telegraph.— correspondent.}

Wellington, Thursday. A meeting of Auckland members convened by Mr, Witheford was held this evening to discuss the present position as regards the San Francisco service. Mr. Crowther occupied the chair. There were also present: Messrs. Holland, Monk, Massey, Bollard, McGowan, Lang, O'Rorke, Herries, and the Hons. W. Jennings, W. Kelly, and W. Swanson, Mr. Holland apologised for the absence of Mr. Lawry. The Hon. George MoLean was also in attendance.

Mr. Witheford stated that he had 110 wish to do anything which would embarrass the Government or tend to prejudice the continuance of the service, but his desire was to do what he could in the interests of Auckland and the colony to secure (1) the certainty of the service in the future; (2) to see that it was continued on a basis which would ensure faster boats, more frequent communication, and better facilities for carrying cargo; (3) that the opportunities which now presented themselves for the expansion of the trade between Auckland and the Paoifio coast might be availed of. He had no other interest in the matter, his efforts being purely honorary, and made in what ho believed to be the best interests of Auckland and of the colony. His connection with Mr. Spreckels *vas simply that tho latter had communicated his view to him (Mr. Witheford) in consequence of his friendship and his knowledge that ho (Mr. Witheford) was an Auokland citizen. The danger was expressed by some that the Union Company might be hostile to the proposal for an entirely new service. If so, it had been suggested that an attempt should be made to associate tho Union Company with any arrangement that might be come to. The timo being, short and tho Oceanic Company's boats being now under construction, there was considerable danger, if the company's present proposals were subject to any delay, that the boats might bo diverted to some other trade. The matter was one in which all Auckland members should act with unanimity in order to avert this danger of losing the service altogether. Mr. Witheford then referred to the offer made by Mr. Spreckels, which has already been published. Mr. McGowan: In what respect is the meeting concerned as regards that proposal ? Mr. Crowther: Mr.-McGowan means what do you expect us to do ? Mr. Witheford: We have to decide so that a reply may bo sent to 'Frisco. Mr. McGowan: You mean the Government or the House has to decide ?

Mr. Witheford: Yob. t Mr. Holland What are the objections to the proposals brought down by the Premier ? Mi. Witheford said he had no desire to express any disapproval, but if they wished him to mention tho matter he would tell them the difficulty. The proposal was to let the contract for 12 months for tho existing service, but some of the new steamers would be ready before tho 12 months wore up. What was to bo done with I hem ? Mr. Bollard pointed out that if the new proposals were accepted it would mean the throwing over of tho Union Company. Was it fair to throw that company over, considering that wo were mainly indebted to them for the service ? Should they not have one boat out oi three ? Mr. Witheford said ho would be glad to SCO the Union Company havo tho whole throe if proper up-to-dato boats were put on. Mr. Bollard: But tho proposal from Mr. Spreckels is for American boats. Mr. Witheford: Only American boats can get tho subsidy. _ , iL , Mr. Bollard: America ib paying tho subsidy now. , „ . „ Mr. Jennings: Could not the Oceanio Company continue tho present arrangement with new boats, the Union Company to have one of them ? , , ~ , . Mr. Holland thought they should lot the Government make their own arrangements. The only objection was the 12 month# contract. It might be arranged that tho U months' contract should lapse as soon as the new boats were ready, but they must liavo a 12 months' contract in case negotiations tell through. , Mr. Wilheford said that was a good tuggestiori. The Oceanio Company always referred in a kindly manner to the Union Company. He was inquiring whether arrangements could not bo mado for the Union Company to own ono of the boats. Mr. McGowan said it was a waste of time for those present to talk about malar? i.rrangomonts. They could only see that the Government mado satisfactory _ arrangements and seo that tho 'Frisco sorvico was maintained, bccause it was tho best for the colony. Thev should all unite in helping tho Un svnment to make the best terms possible. Mr. Massoy said there was no difference of opinion among the Auckland members as to the service. He thought Mr. McLean should bo asked to give his views on the qU Mri°MoLean asked if Mr. Witheford had the cable from Mr. Spreckels with him. Mr. Witheford: I have only a copy with mo. ' The original is at tho hotel. Mr. McLean then stated that at tile present timo the contract was entirely with the Union Company. Mr. Spreckels was no known in tho matter at all. Ho did not understand this going behind the Union Company. He did not think Mr. Spreckels was likely to go behind them, though appearances went very far that way. , Tho Union Company had been in communication with Mr. Spreckels for somo time. ffley the Union Company) had suggested that they should build a boat in America to comply with the American law, but they had received no reply. They had built their present boat for that sorvico. It was too good for the Australian trade, and if they were now thrown over it would look very bad. ir.o difficulty in America was the Hanna tayiio Bill. It was not yet howovor through tho Legislature, and probably would not get through. The Union Company was at presont receiving its share of tho subsidy, loss tho amount deduoted for British steamers, The vessel they had put on was a good and fast boat. There might bo a difficulty in regard to running a 16-knot service. It required at least an 18 knot boat to rim a 16 knot service. In reply to tho Union Company b last letter, Mr. Spreckels said he could not say exactly when lie would visit the colonios, and also stated that there had been some delay in the construction of the new steamers. Mr. McLean then dealt with what had been said about the carriage of goods. There was no need to refuse to take goods. It was purely a matter of price. Ho asked what goods the company had refused to tako.

Mr. Jennings: Flax. Mi. McLean said that was not so. There was no need to tako coal if shippers wero prepared to pay a fair freight for flax. Mr. Crowther: What would be the icsult if tho Hanna Payne Bill did not pass? Mr. McLean replied that it would make no difference. If Mr. Spreckels was building the steamers, no doubt the steamers would come. He was rot yet ready to believe that Mr. Spreckels was going behind the Union Company in order to shut them out. Tlioy got £28,000 from tho American Government now, and if the Hanna Payno Bill passed they would get a great deal more. He (lid not see why the people should t' vow over the Union Company without giving them a chance of oarrying on the service. Mr. Witheford said' he would prefer British steamers if satisfactory arrangements could be made.

Mr. McLean: The Auckland people are under considerable obligations to us. As the meeting was dispersing, a resolution was carried, on the motion of Mi. Jennings, pledging those present to do everything to secure what would be best in the interest of the colony in maintaining an efficient service between New Zealand' and San Francisco,