THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7295, 7 January 1902, Page 2

THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

OVERTURES OF THE OCEANIC COMPANY. AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER COMMENT. United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. (Received Jan. 7, 10.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 7. The " Sydney Morning Herald " says that the Oceanic Steamship Compamy's proposals air* tempting. As an offset to the scheme tihere are the objections of Britain to Abandoning the Suez contracts, which, fre in with her Indian and Far Eastern'arrangements, and the objections both of Britain and Australia to pay large subsidies for a service carried exclusively by American (Ships under American contracts and contemplated as part of American commercial expansion. Beyond these considerations is the opinion, mow largely entertained, that the day of maritime subsidies is drawing to a close. Trad© will make it worth while to carry mail matter at a little more than cargo rates, and yet give us as quick a service as we now have. ' 'JPh e "Daily Telegraph" says tbe shipping 1 connection, is the root of the matter. The American, policy is crystallised aggressive exclusiveness. Even if some reciprocal arrangement between the Republic and the Commonwealth could be made a condition ■wouMi undoubtedly be #hat trade must be carried in American dhips. It is stating the proposal of the Oceanic Company frankly and accurately to say it is that Australian money shall be spent to help tihe realisation of the all-American idea with regard! to the Pacific. In view of tihe faob that an up-to-date line can be obtained presumably at about the /same price, the "Daily Telegraph" considers that it is not worth while to give the Oceanic Company anything like large terms for an immediate "fast service with the shadowy chance of a reciprocal trade with America all carried in American ships. But the money aspect is the minor one. The greater is the consideration fh'at for a small present gain the Commonwealth might do a great injury to its own and *h« Empire's shipping interests.