AUSTRALIAN MAILS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1399, 9 March 1905, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN MAILS.

GRUMBLING OF MERCHANTS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.19 p.m., March 8. Sydney, March 8. A Chamber of'Commerce deputation' interviewed Mr Reid and the Federal Postmaster-General. They asked for the reinstatement of the weekly mail service. They strongly protested that the present unsatisfactory arrangement was causing, great inconvenience and monotary loss. They urged that such a retrogade movement placed Australia iu a humiliating position in the eyes of the world. The poundage system did not guarantee an adequate service. Tho pinch would soon be muoh ‘ more severely felt. They considered the convenience and gain of a weekly servioe worth a larger, sum than the Government seomsd to think reason-, able. Oao membor said the money loss on trade by tho fortnightly service was a hundred pounds, and most of this fell on the producers. ' The Postmaster-General said the Government wore fully alive to the importance of a weekly service, if obtainable at a reasonable price ; £140,00P was asked by the Orient Company. It-—too much, and was £79,000 more than was now paid. TTr contended that increased trade Bhould cause a decrease of subsidy. The Orient Company assured him that the white ocean question had nothing to do with tho matter.

Mr Reid endorsed the PostmasterGeneral’s statement. The Orient Company, iu asking ior the increase, had,notgiven a single'argument that would appeal to a buainess man. They practically said the company was not paying. He was not Sooiali3t enough to teke on his shoulders a big non paying ootnpany. Ho promised further consideration, but the Government oould not ask Parliament for an enormous increase in order to make the Orient Company finanoiul. He had received an offer from another company. If it proved satisfactory they would make special arrangements until tho new service could start. “ Suroly,” added Mr Reid,throughout the world we can find somebody to whom we can talk bu3iues3 on the matter.”