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Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 343, 14 February 1871, Page 2

BRTLLIANT PROSPECTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN STEAMSHIF LINE. It is now a foregoing conclusion that the United States Government will grant a large subsidy to the Australian and JN'ew Zealand Steamship Line running from San Francisco. Elsewhere we have given the important action of the United States Senate Committeo on postal matters in regard to this subject, recommending the award of an annual subsidy of $500,000 (over £90,000), for twelve years ; whiln a second telegraphic despatch from Washington, dated tho 12th of January, shows that the report had been laid before tho House. It directs the Postmaster General " to '■ contract with William H. Webb, Ben Holladay and associates, for carrying the mails monthly at the above named compensation. The news brought up from New Zealand by Mr. Neilson, in regard to the terms obtained through Mr. Vogel's contract, delights every one here. The enlightened liberality of the New Zealand Government, in granting a subsidy of nearly §300,000 g Id (£60,000), has been fully appreciated here, and the terms granted were certainly much better than could have been expected. New Zealand will reap the full advantage in the establishment of a line of really first-class steamships to her leading port. The steamers are now hera, and no delay need be anticipated. Doubtless the leading Australian colonies will come into this arrangement, and subsidize the line. Meantime, Mr. Neilson has left for Washinglon, to lay Mr. Vogel's contract before Messrs Webb and Holladay The action of Congress in regard to the subsidy will not be delayed, for it is fully understood that the bill would ' have been passed last session but for the late hour it was introduced, The steamers will oertainly start by the stipulated time.