THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2430, 10 October 1900, Page 30

THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

THE INTENTIONS OF THE GOVERN-

(From Oo\\ Own Correspondent. ) "WELLINGTON, October 6.

As regards the San Francisco mail service, Mr Ward intends to move the following resolutions:—" (1) That this Eou»c authorises the Government to enter into a temporary agreement with the J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company for the continuation of the San Francisco mail service once erery three Aveeks in the place of four-Aveekly, for a period not exceeding 12 months from about the 21st November, 1900 ; (2) the payment for the conveyance" of mails from New Zealand to San Francisco shall be at the rate of lOd per lb for letters, Id per lb for books, packets, etc., and 6d per lb for newspapers ; (3) the time between San Francisco and Auckland shall not exceed 16 days; (1) no bonus shall be paid for early arrival, and penalties at the rate of £4 an hour to be enforced only when a late delivery exceeds 48 hours ; (5) all mails tendered to the contractor by or on behalf of the Posl-ihaster-general of New Zealand shall be conveyed by the contract vessel*, and sufficient <md secure accommodation shall be proA'ided for the same; (6) suitable accommodation and lighting shall be provided for the purpose of sorting the mails on board the contract vessels, and first-class acommodation provided, v/ithout payment, for a mail agent and an assistant, or, if required, two assistants ; (7) during the continuance oi the_ contract, and bo long a3 the same shall be faithfully carried put by the contractors, no charge for the harbour dues, dock dues, or other rates, shall be made or levied under ' The Harbours Act, 1693,' or any amendment thereof, or under any special act, in that behalf at the port of Auckland for any of the steameis employed in carrying out the contract; (S) any agreelpenfc -entered into between the Postmastergeneral of Nev.' Zealand and J. D. Spreckels and Brothers "Company shell, where applicable, follow the proA'ision of the agreement entered into with the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited) on the 14th day of August 1E95, and the renewed agreement made on the 11th of April, 1899."