THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11787, 17 October 1901, Page 5

THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

THE POSITION IN WELLINGTON.

DEBATE POSTPONED TILL TO-DAY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Wednesday. The determination of Mr. Seddon to get rid of the Estimates at one swoop has necessitated the adjournment of the debate on the mail proposals till to-morrow. No doubt the Auckland people will be annoyed at this delay, but it is inevitable. The Northern representatives would also like to have the matter decided, I am sure, as they have been at a tension for days past. The position is unchanged, and no new developments have taken place.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE COMMON-

WEALTH.

By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright.

Melbourne. October 16.

Sir J. G. Ward has cabled Mr. Drake, the Postmaster-General , asking whether some arrangement cannot be made whereby New Zealand may be made a party to the P. and O. and Orient mail contracts, with a view to diverting the New Zealand-English mail to the Suez route. Cabinet will consider the question as soon as the censure motion is disposed of.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

WEllington, Wednesday.

Sir Joseph Ward denies there is any truth in the report that he had made inquiries in Australia regarding the diversion of the New Zealand mails via Suez. It seems that Mr. Gray, secretary of the Post Office, inquired of the Postal Department at Melbourne whether if New Zealand requires to make extended use of the Federal service, she could go in on a population basis. This is in accordance with Victoria's contract.

A SYDNEY OPINION.

By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright.

SrDNET, October 16. The Daily Telegraph, dealing with the trouble between New Zealand and the Spreckels Company, says the Vancouver bne presents many attractions to New Zealand, and would make such a formidable appearance as a rival to the 'Frisco line under New Zealand support that the Commonwealth, finding other conditions equal, may yet have to consider whether it shall subsidise the British or foreign line to North America. It is quite possible that the Spreckels' Comnany will find it to their interest to sign & smaller contracts, both in Australia and New Zealand, in order to preserve their right to the present fat American subsidy.

QUEENSLAND'S POSITION.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

Brisbane, October 16.

Regarding the statements made in New Zealand by Mr. Spreckels' representatives that there is a possibility of extending the 'Frisco mail service to Queensland if the New Zealand proposals are not accepted, the Premier states that he has received no communication of any kind from Mr. J. D. Spreckels. The Queensland arrangement with the Canadian line has still two or three years to run, and the Government have no power to complete negotiations with Mr. Spreckels, that being a matter entirely for the Federal Government.

TELEGRAMS FROM AUCKLAND

MEMBERS,

[by TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Wednesday. Mr. Napier telegraphed the Mayor of Auckland this evening, as follows: — "Thanks for resolutions. Your meetings and telegrams give us great encouragement. Glad to see that all Aucklanders are united to resist the latest attempt to injure the Empire and the colony, and further to despoil Auckland by abolishing the San Francisco mail service. Continue to display the unanimity of the people of the province by meetings and resolutions of public bodies. The help of the people so given will sustain and strengthen Auckland members in doing their duty unfalteringly. Any weakening by a member in face of the clamours of Auckland's enemies in the pi ess should be visited with the severest censure. All Governments appreciate the conciliatory power of the mailed fist of a united people. For 30 years our province lias been plundered, and if it is necessary to prevent further humiliation we must allow party politics to slumber for a period, and fight as one man for our rights." Mr. Withefurd has sent the following telegram to certain of his constituents who have been in communication with him: — " While I have the highest respect for an expression of public feeling, I am of opinion that Auckland members will do their utmost in the interests of the people they represent, but agitations, indignation meetings, and stormy telegrams, if overdone, do not assist to mitigate the difficulties of the position, but rather intensify and increase opposition from those other members who are friendly with us, but feel Auckland is attempting to dictate to the rest of the colony. This has been intensified by dictatorial utterances which have raised an enmity which could not otherwise have existed. Auckland should advise its members to be conciliatory. The best interests will be conserved for' Auckland."

The Mayor received the following telegram yesterday from Mr. Geo. Fowlds, ivI.H.R. : —"Re 'Frisco service, resolutions of the Harbour Board to hand. The Auckland members are working vigorously and unanimously to maintain 'Frisco service unimpaired."

AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The question of the Han Francisco mail service was merely mentioned at yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The president (Mr. D. 11. Caldwell) said from expressions lie. heard from those connected with the Government party, there seemed no fear but the San Francisco service would be maintained. Mr. Hugh Campbell said he had some sympathy with the Government. They were in a difficult position in their negotiations, as they had to submit their proposals to Parliament and so show their hand. Mr. Caldwell said lie believed the end of it would be that we would get both the 'Frisco and the Vancouver services. Mr. F. G. Ewington then moved, " That the Council approves of the action of the president in connection with the San Francisco mail service." Mr. Graves Aickin seconded, and said be had heard some very complimentary remarks regarding Mr. Caldwell's telegram to the Premier. It was very much to the point. The motion was carried.