BRISBANE AMERICAN STEAM SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1886, 21 October 1913, Page 5

BRISBANE AMERICAN STEAM SERVICE.

The "Daily Mail," Brisbane, of October 8 has the following:— The need for prompt attention in connection with the establishment of a steam service between Brisbane and American ports is shown by the positioii of the service between New Zealand and San Francisco. The contract entered into by the TJuion Company will expire at the end of this month. That i>)ight provide an opening for Queensland to get a connection. So far, it is announced, the New Zealand Government have not indicated in any way that they intend to renew the contract with the Union Company. But we know that when a Government is dealing with a shipping company or any other powerful institution it is'the usual thing to assuino an attitude of stolid indifference, even though there is anxiety determination at the back of it. That is only an ordinary business method. But it is said that the contract has not proved satisfactory to the commercial community in New Zealand. Here, surely, is Queensland's chance to make her wishes iof a connection known, and cither as a State or as a portion of the Commonwealth to make overtures to secure connection with the American trade. If the Dominion and Commonwealth combined they would be in a position to offer substantial inducements, to secure what the producers of exports require at a single stroke. To all appearances the timo is ripe for Queensland to make known that a service from Brisbane is desired, and that substantial trade is offering. If the opportunity is missed it might be some time before the way is cleared for a comprehensive scheme to bo arranged. It is understood that inquiries in the direction suggested abovo have been made by tlio Commonwealth Government of tlio Union Steam Ship Company.