LATE PARLIAMENTARY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8280, 23 October 1905, Page 5

LATE PARLIAMENTARY.

House of Representatives

(By Telegraph — Press A ssociation.)

Wellington, This Day

After the usual formalities the subject of the South African service was raised by Mr Taylor, who apropos of the paper re volume of trade tabled by Sir Joseph Ward, asked the intentions of the Government as to the continuation of subsidy.

Mr W. H. Herries (Bay of Plenty) objected to any renewal as our subsidy encouraged our rivals.

Mr Massey said he preferred a direct service at half the present cost.

Mr Seddon deprecated any discussion on the question without notice, pointing out that all particulars asked would be given in due course.

Mr T. McKenzie (Waikouaiti) supported the present service as having kept up grain prices and given an outlet for it.

Sir Joseph Ward said (1) The present Company intimates that it will not take on the service; (2) It is impossible to get a refrigerator direct service with South Africa for £15,000 a year, perhaps not for £100,000; (3) The present contract was properly tendered for and accepted; (4) Since the announcement that the Government was not renewing the contract, the Government has been inundated with remonstrances and petitions; (5) The conditions attached in support of these remonstrances were impossible ; (6) Tenders will be invited for a direct refrigerator service and for any other service. No subsidy can be paid. He agreed that the service had benefited the agricultural community.