Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1901. AUCKLAND AND ‘FRISCO MAIL.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 14 October 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1901. AUCKLAND AND ‘FRISCO MAIL.

If we are to judge of Auckland by the action of the Auckland Press and a section of the residents, its patriotism is measured by a continuance or discontinuance of the San Francisco Mail Service. But, we should be sorry to guage Auckland by such utterances. When questions, such as that at present disturbing the Nortnern mind are under consideration, the opportunity is generally eagerly seized hold of by agitators to bring themselves into prominence and pose as champions of the people. The tone taken up by some of this class is exceedingly offensive and derogatory to Auckland’s representatives. Mr. Witberford, M.H E , has taken a very proper course, and in a dignified and mildly sarcastic reply, which appears in our telegraphic columns, reproved his advisers, and bluntly told them they are doing more harm than good. Of course, Auckland being the port of call for the San Francisco line of steamers is anxious to see the subsidy continued, and is willing to suborn Colonial and Imperial interests to American shipping laws to gain that continuance. There is not much patriotism in such conduct, but local interests are unfortunately often times attended to in preference to national ones. Itisto New Zealand’s interests as an integral part or the Empire to favor the Vancouver route as against San Francisco, and the Ministry are doing more in their proposal for the latter route than is desirable. That the Government are straining at colonial interests owing to Auckland pressure is very evident, yet, notwithstanding this fact, the Auckland press and agitators soundly demand that their representatives shall sever their connection with the Ministry if it does not agree to all that Spreckles and Co.’s line—foreignowned and flying a foreign flag—demand. It should not be forgotten that a New Zea'and-owned line of steamers were driven out of the service owing to the American shipping laws, yet here, forsooth, we have Auckland demanding that all concessions shall be granted to the foreign service—granted simply because Auckland is the port of call. It is to be hoped that in this matter the rest of the colony will remain loyal to national interests, and teach the agitators) of Auckland a lesson they will not readily forget.