THE VANCOUVER SERVICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7589, 24 December 1902, Page 3

THE VANCOUVER SERVICE.

DETAILS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS. [From Our Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, Dec. 24. Mr James Mills, interviewed on his return from Australia regarding the "Vancouver service, said the contract entered into for ten years 'between, originally, Messrs Huddart, Parker and the Governments of Queensland . New South Wales and Canada in 1893, expires in May next, ant} negotiations arc now proceeding with the Premier of tht Commonwealth and the Government ol Canada for an extension of the contract. The negotiations bay 6 keen delayed till a rather late period, awaiting the result ol the Conference of Premiers in London an<3 of their efforts to 'secure a high-class service "of fast steamers to Australia, to run in connection with the proposed fast Atlantic service between England and -the eastern ports of Canada, Until sometihing is ' done in this direction it will probablj be necessary to extend the present contract for two or "three years, with such improvement as is possible on so short a contract. Mr Mills's proposals to the Federal Government were in the direction of the extension of -^he existing arrangement foi three j'-ears. with the Moana and the Aorangi and a'modern steamer to replace the SEowera. For tliis a moderate increase in tht present subsidy is asked, and is now undea consideration by the various Governments. The New Zealand Government, continued Mr Mills, is not taking any part in tht present negotiations, but the Premier bac intimated #at the Government was prepared to contribute toAvards the subsidy for an imprbve-4 service with modern-olass boats.