THE “ALL-RED” ROUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6396, 19 December 1907, Page 5

THE “ALL-RED” ROUTE

AUSTRALIA AND CANADA WHAT THE NEW SERVICE MAY COST. BRITAIN PLEDGED TO PRJXCTPI.E Py Telegraph—Pres# Aeaoclat.ion—Copyright (Received December 18, 10 p.m.) LONDON, December 18. “The Times," discussing tho projected negotiations between the Commonwealth and Canadian authorities nfc Ottawa regarding the “All-Red” route, expresses the hope that the matter will bo considered in a sufficiently liberal spirit to remove any temporary ill-feeling which Mr Donkin’s tariff policy may have excited in official circles in Canada. Proceeding further in its discussion of the “All-Rod” route, “The Times” estimates that the total annual subsidy for some years will bo from £700,000 to .CBOO.OOO, or more, nearly one-half of which will be contributed by Great Britain. It is calculated that the building of Urn necessary fleet to carry on the service will cost six millions sterling, and this amount cannot be raised at low rates of interest withmil engaging the I'ritis,’ Government h credit, according to the precedent established in connection with the building of the two subsidised Cunavd Jiinors, All these difficulties, however, jut- matters of detail, and will probably bn overcome by the exercise of a little goodwill. “The Times” emphasises the fact that the Imperial Government, which was unable to moot the colonies on the subject of preference, has pledged Groat Britain to the principle of the " All-Rod " route, and that only its proved impracticablonoss will justify Iho abandonment of tho scheme.