SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 52

SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

RENEWAL CONSIDERED PROBABLE. (FBOM OUB OwH CQBKESPOHDiara.) AUCKLAND, January 3. "- On© of the captains of the Oceanic S.SC Company's service, writing" to a friend in Auckland, remarks that in. shipping circles in San Francisco it is generally considered likely that the Subsidy Bill now beforethe United States Congress, at Washington, will go through during the present session. On the passing 1 or otherwise of this measure will depend the renewal of the company's service to AtKfcralia: as the smV aidy provided for 16-knot boats is £100,000' ' the amount formerly" aimed at by w» 1 company in lieu of the £50,000 then granted 1 . i The bill is daily expected to com©, before , Congress, and as it was only defeated lasfe 1 year by two votes. Its. supporters are very, ' sanguine of success on the present occasion.' The Sierra, Sonoma, and Yeniaira. axe nowbeing overhauled at San. Francisco, end if the Subsidy Bill goes through each, vessel will bring its steaming- capacity up to 15 knots, and will be fitted with oU-consumingf furnaces in. place of tihofse. for eo*t the company considterznß- that- fester speed will thus be assured. ' This step twll protebtK necessitate the- erection, of oil tanks in Auckland if •&© service should be- bjmb resurnqd. Tbo writer eonsi&rs- Jsoafc the first of the vessel* ehoxtSA reach. AvuMand some time in. February aexfc- He? conclude* as follow®: "Of course, everything- depend* on the passing of the* bill, bsctfc tha renewal of. tW service i» generally considered probsttei'*-