Further Explanations.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8277, 19 October 1905, Page 5

Further Explanations.

(Received To-day, at 9.2 a.m.)

Melbourne, This Day,

Mr Chapman said the Commonwealth subsidy would be £26,626. He quoted figures showing that the imports from Canada had decreased from £353,000 in 1903 to £222,000 in 1901. Exports to Canada decreased from £68,000 in 1900 to £29,350 in 1901.

Mail matter carried from Australia by the Vancouver Line, in 1901, was 38,000 pounds, and two-fifths ..of it-went by the United States, while 80,000 pounds was carried by the 'Frisco line.

Mr Sydney Smith, late Postmaster-General, explained that when trouble with the Orient Company occurred, he thought it possible to arrange a great improvement in the Vancouver service, and so take the place of the Orient service.

The Union Steamship Company, however, wanted £230,000 for two years, and required two years to make provision for new steamers. This proved impracticable. Then when the question of renewing the existing contract was discussed, the Company, asked for an increased subsidy of £20,000. Eventually they agreed to accept an additional £6000. If that were not granted, the service would have to be abandoned.