NEW STEAM LINE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1975, 4 February 1914, Page 8

NEW STEAM LINE.

FROM AMERICA. A VANCOUVER COMPANY. It was_ recently announced by cable that the Merchants' Trust and Trading Company, Ltd., of Vancouver (8.C.), was about to start a new line ol steamships between the Pacific Coast of 'America-asd Australia. Particulars of the proposal, which is now stated to be Hearing finality are published'by tho "Sydney • Morning Herald," and show that the company has behind it la the venture sevoral prominent English capitalists, and that the intention is to run a line of 13-knot' steamers, with extensive insulated space and one-class passenger' accommodation, similar to. many of the steamers which now run. via the Capo of Good Hope, The Merchants' Trust and Trading Company, Ltd., is said to have a subscribed capital of 1/100,000 dollars, Mr. John Gould, one of the principals of the company, recently outlined tho proposal in a letter, to Mr. James Towns, of tho State of Victoria (Australia) Bureau for Canada and United States at Saa Francisco. Tho letter read as follows:—

"Wo have seen Mr. J. W. Kelly, the Victoria Land Commissioner, during his r'sit hero., and ho advised us- of tlio good opening for a.lifto 'of steamers, of about 13 knots speed, with good refrigerator space, and capacity of about 100 superior third-class accommodation, to run cither monthly or bi-monthly, from tho. Pacific Coast through to Melbourne. Ho intimated that, if wo were prepared to make a firm offer, he considered it advisable for oho of -us to visit Melbourne at an early date, and put such offer before tho Victorian Governments, When ho considered there was a. good, chance of obtaining either % guarantee of a minimum dumber of passengers.for each sailing for a period, or else a subsidy. "I should bo glad of your views and any information you could give in connection with a- line running direct from tho Pacific Coast to Melbourne,' with tho option of going to any ports in Australasia as desired, after calling at that port," Mr. Towns replied at length, expressing the fullest confidence in the advice offered by Mr. Kelly, and suggesting that the proposal should bo placed before Mr, AVatt, Premier of Victoria; with a view to obtaining' a subsidy. "The Melbourne business people," continues the letter, "have for many years been anxious to secure a direct service with the Pacific Coast, a:rid tho Government, I believe, would be persuaded to acceded to any bustjiessliko proposal." Mr. Towns also pointed out tliat. the olie-class passenger accommodation should prove popular, and the prospects of securing full cargoes of frozen meat, butter, and other products Were good. He thought' the Panama Canal would ho the means of causing a greater influx to Melbourne, which was "tlio Federal, capital, and had a, population of He.also suggested that Mr. Trail, while in London, should interview the Hon. Peter M'Bride, Agont-Genera.l for Victoria, on the subject, who might moke a tentative -arrangement. In thanking Mr. Towns 'for 'his communication, the Merchants' Trust and. i Trading Company, Ltd., stated that they were very much in earnest over the proposal, and expected their plana to come to a head in a few weeks'' time, ,