VANCOUVER MAIL SERVICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6995, 10 January 1901, Page 3

VANCOUVER MAIL SERVICE.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S

VIEWS.

NEW ZEALAND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE ROUTE. [Per Press Association,]

wel:

.INGTON, Jan. 10,

The Postmaster-General says that doubtless an offer will be made to get the Vancouver steamers to make New Zealand a place of call. We inquire, in his opinion, both, the Vancouver, and San.Franciscojservices and rivalry between the two lines would have a healthy effect. The inclusion of New Zealand in the Vancouver, route would necessitate the dropping of the Queensland 1 connection to ensure anything like a speedy mail service. The subsidy now paid "by Canada, Queensland and New South Wales is in round figures £40^000 per annum and the contract will not expire till 1902. If reasonable terms are proposed ihe has no doubt that the Government will favourably consider them. Notwithstanding the effects of the American navigation law, Mr Ward thinks' New Zealand should oqntinue to maintain the Sao Francisco line;