NEW ZEALAND AND CANADA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 32, 22 September 1911, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AND CANADA.

the new Steamer service. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, September 21. In the House of Representatives this evening iiio Prime Minister asked the House to ratify the arrangement entered into for the renewal of the mail service between Canada and New Zealand. He had hoped Australia would have joined in the contract., but for reasons of their own they had decided otherwise. The term of contract was for five years from August 1, 1911. Three steamers were to bo engaged in the service. They were the Makura, Marama and Zeaiandia, and ho was informed that the Union Company were preparing to pat another steamer on. Special conditions were embodied in tiie contract to allow for perishable produce being freighted to Vancouver. There were 10,000 cubic feet of space in two cf the ships, and 5000 in the other for frozen produce. Two thousand cubic feet of space had been reserved for New Zealand. After July 1 next fr.’sh arrangements would be entered into regarding the reservation of space for New Zealand; The speed of the vessels was very satisfactory, the New Zealand mails being landed in London in 31 days. A faster service could not be provided for £20,000. A maximum amount had been fixed for freight charges and passenger fares, and this could not bo exceeded.'

The service would alternate with tho ’Frisco service. The reason that the short period of five years had been fixed for the contract was that, the Panama Canal would he opened shortly before the expiration of the contract, and there was bound to he a difference then in services from here to England. ’ It was very important to have connection between this country and Canada. The amount to he paid for the service was a very moderate one. Mr Massey said there was very little difference of opinion in the matter. Tim general opinion at the present time was that Now Zealand’s mail service was out. of date. Ho was pleased that tho steamers were twin-screw and were equipped with wireless. Messrs Poole, Myers and Luke supported the motion. Mr Hemes suggested that the numerous services should bo dispensed with, and one fast service maintained. Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, said £20,000 was tho whole amount for the service. No postages were to bo paid. Tho motion was agreed to, and th‘o House rose at 11.20.