THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6596, 21 September 1899, Page 2

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

STATEMENT BY THE. PREMIE*. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. In Committee of Supply on the Estimates, the Premier made a statement regarding the San Francisco mail service. ' In reply to a question by Mr Massey, he said that the present contract would expire in March next, but the proposal for a fortnightly service was not lost sight of. Practically, the service would continue for another year. Three steamers, with a guaranteed speed . of seventeen knots an hour were being built for the service, and would perform the trip between San Francisco and Auckland in sixteen days, the time between this colony and London being reduced to twenty-^ix or twenty-seven days. It was believed that tlie reduction in time would have the effect of expanding trade. It was admitted that the San Francisco service was the most advantageous in regard to speedy delivery of mails, though not the best for trade, but a fortnightly service would largely increase the cost. The Imperial authorities did not favour the San Francisco service, and had informed the Government that it need not expect- any further aid in that direction. For this year nothing could be done, because the steamers would not be ready to be placed on the route, and if tenders were invited tomorrow for a five years' contract there would be no tenderers. At present the United States would not give more than a yearly guarantee,! but he was in hopes of. inducing the Stated to join with this colony in a five yeare' contract for a fortnightly service. He proposed to submit proposals to the House for the renewal of the service for anther year, and also to authorise the Government to enter into negotiations so as to prepare for a five years' contract at the expiration of a year. The Government could not do more than that, and when the subject came before the House he would ask for an extension of powers to enter into negotiations for an extended term. ■ Mr M'Gowan thought the tenders should be invited in sufficient time for offers to be received within nine or twelve months, so that other companies besides the Union Steamship Company might have the chance of competing. Possibly by that means more advantageous terms might be obtained, and a superior service. The Premier said that there was somethin<r jn the suggestion, but what would happen If New South Wales were to decline to join in a five years' agreement? Even if the Government of this colony were to conclude a contract at once for a five years' service it could not commence for another year. Meantime full information could be) obtained. In reply to Mr Buchanan, the Premier said thSit the Government would stipulate tliat one-third of the steamers should be Britishowned. In reply to Mr Holland-, Mr Seddon said that at present the three contracting parties were New Zealand, New South Wales and the United States. If he were to at once bring down proposals for a five years' contract it would be playing with the House. It would be better to have a contract for a year, and meantime to negotiate with New South, Wales and the United States for a five years' contract, and with an improved service, the conditions of which he would state when the matter was before the House. Mr Massey hoped that a five years' contract via San Francisco would be concluded as soon as possible. Mr Buchanan : Via Vancouver. Mr Massey : Via San Francisco.