POSTAL RATES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6833, 22 April 1890, Page 4

POSTAL RATES.

THE PBOPOSED REDUCTION. [Pbb Pebbs Association.] WELLINGTON, Apeil 21. Government have not received any comjmunication from the Agent-General -with reference to Mr Goschen's proposed reduction, of the Colonial postal rates. Mi <3ray, Secretary of the Postal Department, states that the question cannot be discussed until something definite if heard from Homo as to the manner in which the Colony is to be recouped foi - the heavy loss it would sustain by adopting the redaction. If it ib not intended tc recoup the Colony, and the proposal it accepted, the seriouo Question will be one of ways and mean , make np the deficiency. Mr Gray coubidera the preBent rates less burdensome than the imposition of a special tax would be However, if the letter rate is fixed at 2|d, he - thinks it would be better far New Zealand «to join the Postal TJnion, and then the question of reduction of Colonial and Intercolonial rates would have to be considered. A reduction in this direction 'would necessarily entail further loss to •Eke Colony. Mr Gray doubts whether the Australian Colonies, all of which except <New Zealand showed a deficiency in the postal revenue last year, will accept the reduction. The postal officials are now engaged in preparing a return showing to -what essent the reduction would affect thie Colony,. .