DIRECT STEAM SERVICE WITH GREAT BRITAIN (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1882 Session I, F-04a

F.—4A.

1882. NEW ZEALAND.

DIRECT STEAM SERVICE WITH GREAT BRITAIN (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

The Chaieman and Managing Director, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. The New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Wellington, Bth August, 1882. Sib, — Direct Steam. Adverting to the letters which I have already addressed to the Government on this subject, I now do myself the honor to intimate that this company is prepared to enter into a contract with the Government to provide a monthly steam service between London and the colony, and vice versa, for a subsidy of £30,000 a year, being £2,500 for each round voyage. The steamers employed to be in all respects suitable for the conduct of a passenger and carrying trade, with a sea-going speed of eleven knots an hour, and to be of not less tonnage than 3,500 tons gross builders' measurement. Such boats it is contemplated will make the voyage in fifty days. The duration of the contract to be five years, and, during its continuance, the immigrants introduced into the colony by the Government, and all Government cargo, to be conveyed by the steamers and sailing ships of this company's line, on rates to be mutually arranged. It will necessarily take some time to build the steamers needful for the service; but, in the event of this offer being accepted, we will forthwith cable to London to expedite contracts, and, in the meantime, if a prompt commencement of the service is desired, we will do our best to provide, by charter or otherwise, steamers as suitable as can be obtained. I have, &c, J. L. Coster, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Chairman and Managing Director.

Authority : G-eobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB2.