VANCOUVER MAIL SERVICE

Otago Witness, Issue 2929, 4 May 1910, Page 27

VANCOUVER MAIL SERVICE

CANADIAN-AUSTRALIAN MAIL CONTRACT. MELBOURNE, May 2. Sir James Mills interviewed the Post-master-general (the Hon. Josiah Thomas) with reference to the extension of the 'Australian-Canadian mail contract. It was suggested that the company be allowed to substitute a steamer not so large or so fast as the one at present employed. The Canadian Postmastergeneral had objected to this. Sir James Mills added that he intended to visit Canada shortly and interview the Postmaster-general at Ottawa. The Hon. Mr Thomas has promised consideration of these proposals. If Canada's consent was obtained he would agree. POSITION OF NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT. AUCKLAND, May 2. In the course of a reply to telegrams cent by Mr J. H. Gunson, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, in re the improvement of the Vancouver service, or the substitution of a better, the Prime Minister states that a subsidy of £20.000 per annum was definitely offered for a call at Auckland by the present steamers, and representations were made several times, and as late as at the beginning of the present yea.*, to have Auckland made a port of call. The Government also intimated the willingness of the Dominion to join with the British and Canadian Governments to the extent of £75,000 per annum for a fast fortnig'htly service from Vancouver to

New Zealand, touching' at Honolulu and Fiji. This Sir Joseph Ward still considers is the proper service. Sir Joseph cannot undertake to suggest to the Federal Government that Brisbane should be the only port of call in Australia. The Government is still awaiting final advice from Melbourne of the decision to renew the present arrangement. Should this decision be adverse to New Zealand, the Government will seriously consider establishing a service of its own.