LATEST POLITICAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4899, 12 October 1901, Page 2

LATEST POLITICAL.

Our Wellington correspondent wired last night :—

THE FEDEBAL TABIFF.

Speaking in the House this afternoon on the Federal tariff, the Premier said it might mean an extension of the session. Appearances at present were grave for the colony. He hoped to be able to announce in a few days what course the Government proposed to take.

FRISCO MAIL S^BYIOE. The ocean mail resolutions will be submitted to-night. They provide for a three years' contract with Spreokles on payment of poundage of 7s 6d for letters, Id for books, and 6d for newspapers, or a fixed annual subsidy of £20,000 ; provided one British-owned steamer, registered in New Zealand shall be employed in the eervice ; contract time between Frisco and Auckland to be limited to 17 days ; that in event of it being found impracticable to arrange for a three weekly by Frisco service on the above terms, the GoVevnment be authorised to negotiate for a three-weekly or four-weekly Vanoouver service for not less than three nor more than four years. The payment for the Vancouver service is not to exceed £20,000 year ; vessels to be not less than 6,000 tons register, with refrigerating and chilled chambers ; time between Vancouver and a New Zealand port (the selection of which is to be at the contractors' option) not to exceed 18 days. Furthet resolutions will authorise the Government to n< gotiate for a fortnightly intercolonial service to Melbourne and Sydney —(a) between Wellington and Sydney ; (b) between Melbourne and Bluff : and, in event of the 'Frisco service not being arranged, (c) between Sydney and Auckland.