COLOURED LABOUR ON MAIL STEAMERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12281, 27 May 1903, Page 5

COLOURED LABOUR ON MAIL STEAMERS.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S VIEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

Melbourne, May 26. j Is his despatch with reference to the employment of Indians on mail steamers Mr. Chamberlain points out that the IndbHMutiny Act pledges the British Government to grant the inhabitants of India the same recognition and almost the same rights as other subjects in the Empire. It is therefore impossible for the Imperial Government to join the Commonwealth in a contract debarring their employment in mailboats. He endorses the necessity for accelerated speed in future agreements, and urges that the new contract need not extend beyond three years. By that time possibly quicker communication will be obtainable. With regard to the suggestion of building a transcontinental line to Port Darwin, so thatmails might be .sent over the trans-Siberian railway, Sir. Chamberlain s opinion is that the mails could be landed in England much faster by the trans-Siberian railway than by the sea route. , A statement is made in Melbourne that for accelerating the Vancouver mail service, and bringing ono of the boats now employed up to the speed of the other two, an increased subsidy of £15,000 will be required.