THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

Evening Star, Issue 2961, 15 August 1872, Page 2

THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

At last the Government have found it necessary to speak their mind to Messrs Webb and Holliday about the unsatisfactory manner in which they are carrying out their contract. In a letter addressed on July 6, by Mr Vogel to those gentlemen we find the Postmaster-General informing them of the “strong disapproval ”of the Government of the present state of things; and expressing hia opinion that “ you have departed from the terms of your contract little by little, until you consider yourselves at liberty to pursue, with reference to the working of the service, just that course which satisfies your own own convenience.” Mr Vogel proceeds to condemn the use of the boats of the “ Mohonga” class; complains that “ connections” at Honolulu continue to be made, and that there is no word when the Dacotah is to take her place on the line. The concessions which the Govermnent made to aid the contractors in overcoming difficulties incidental to the establishment of the service had been steadily gone beyond, without the Government being informed thereof; and Mr Webb is informed they must now eeose. The time has now come, says Mr Vogel, for the Government to hold the contractors to the strict performance of the terms of the contract ; and notification is made of their intention to do so. The Nevada, through being overworked, absolutely requires repairs ; and Mr Vogel notifies that she will not, unless thoroughly repaired, be permitted to carry passengers from New Zealand after the voyage then commenced; and Mr Webb is informed that the mail agent is authorised “to protest against the Nevada being despatched on another voyage unless thoroughly repaired.”