MAIL SERVICES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 859, 17 August 1888, Page 15

MAIL SERVICES.

The Premier has given notice of the fol. lowing motions with reference to tho mail services, to be moved yesterday : 1. That, in the opinion of this House, a two-weekly mail service should be continued betwoen New Zealand and Great Britain. 2. That the Government bo authorised to enter into negotiations with the Governments of Hew South Wales, the United States of America, Canada, and Great Britain, with the view of obtaining a four-weekly Pacific mail service, under which the main boats will call at some New Zealaud port for the delivery and receipt of mails. The time occupied in transit to be not more than 20 days between New Zealand and San Francisco, or Vancouver, in the event of the latter being selected as the terminal port in America. The total amount to be paid by New Zealand in respeat of oarriage of mails from and to Great Britain not to exceed £IS,OOO per annum. That if negotiations be successful, the Government bs authorised to call for tenders for the performance of such service for a term not exceeding five years.

3. That tho Government be also authorised—(l) To call for tenders fqr a fourweekly mail service hy direct steamers between New Zealand and Great Britain. The time occupied in transit of maijs to be not more than forty days from New Zealaud to Plymouth, and forty-three days from Plymouth to New Zealand. The tenderers to state at what rate per pound they will convey the letters, books aud packages, and newspapers, and at what fixed subsidy per annum they will perform the service. And (2) to call tor tenders for a fortnightly mail service by direct steamers ou the same terms and conditions as for the four-weekly service. The term of contract not to exceed five years. 4. That no bonus be paid for the mails being'delivered in less than contract time. 5. The steamers to be efficient screw steamers of the' first-class, and fully equal tb class 1 fib 1 Al. Lloyd’s register, and of not leas than 250(j'tuna gr ;ss, jiaving sparIj celts’ an-! large'’capacity /or passengers and cargo, and amp e ! ventilation for pas iiig through tropical latitudes. The vessels to he fiftod up with 'refrigeratiug-chamhers, and also cjfilled chambers for fruit and dairy produce. * ‘ " ' ' 8. That, in the event of a tender being receivtcj fo'j:' the Pacific 'Service vyitlijri the limit:'of subsidy to "bp by New ? land, tjis Government he aufci prised to 'accept Ejuch tpnder, ju ponjqnctioq with any suitable offer received for a four-weekly service by direct steamers, provided the cost of ijie latter service doeg not exceed £IS,QQQ a year.

7-, Should the tpndefa for the Pacijjg Service not bp wii'iffn the lipiit fixefl by Parliament, the Government be authorised to accept the lowest tender for a fortnightly direct sorcice, provided the subsidy or cost does not exceed £30,000 per annum.