SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11347, 16 April 1900, Page 6

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

- TO Till EDITOR. Sir,—lt appears from your I'sHino- article, and the news that is publirhed in this morning's edition of the Hbralu, thai; Messrs. Sprockels and Co. are making strenuous efforts to prevent the Union Steamship Company becoming partners in the next San Fr&ncisoo mail contract. -'■ The prospect of having three new steamers placed in' this service is a very captivating one, bat does not warrant an alteration in the that has worked so exceedingly well, of having two parties to the contract. The Union Company have carried out their part of the mail service in a satisfactory manner, and their claim to an interest in the now arrangement ought to have precedence of all other considerations, provided they are wilh'ngto take not less than one-third interest in the proposed agreement. : The advantages of having an interest held by a local company are numerous and immense. ~'..:' • . >

I First, any complaints or recommendations in connection with the service can be presented in person, and a prompt; hearing and consideration can be obtained. Secondly, the Union Steamship Company understand tho conditions and peculiarities of the local carrying trade far better than any foreign company can bo expected to do, therefore it is of paramount importance that this now contract should not ho exclusively given to principals who are resident abroad, and who can, if they desire it, impose exorbitant freight and passenger rates, and arbitrary bill-of-lading conditions. If a local company were interested in the contract, a wholesome check would be given to any efforts of a harsh or unsuitable character.

: A third reason is perhaps the weakest, but in the interests of the labour party it is the strongest, viz., the earnings of a local company are largely reinvested and distributed in this colony, whereas the earnings of an American company would most certainly leave'the colony. All repairs, renewals, and supplies for foreign steamers would be, as far as possible, contracted for outside New Zealand, whereas the reverse would happen if a Now Zealand-owned steamer or steamers were engaged. The principle of giving a mail contract exclusively to any foreign firm is unwise and unsound, and the people of New Zealand should therefore insist upon at least one-third interest being held in the colony, as a guarantee that our interests will bo carefully guarded, maintained, and improved. The Union Steamship Company are the largest employers of maritime labour in Australasia, and if this new contract passes out of their hands, we, as a community, and as a labour party, will: inevitably suffer.—l am, etc., Richard A. Carr.