THE MAIL CONTRACT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2019, 2 March 1907, Page 3

THE MAIL CONTRACT.

Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, Pel) 28. Tile Shipping Gazette, an adherent of the mail syndicate, declares that if no other method of raising debenture capital is forthcoming, the Commonwealth will probably guarantee it. Surprise is expressed at Mr Chapman's definite allegations that the opponents of the scheme have been endeavoring to get at members of the syndicate. Sir A. Benrdmore’s withdrawal lends color to the allegations, but nothing else is known, and further retirements are unlikely. It describes the cablegram stating that Air Clarke is seeking orders for torpedoes as

harmless fiction. Mis visit is intended to put the syndicate’s case before the Government. MELBOURNE, March 1.

The Postmaster-General denies that Mr Clarke approached the Government with a request, for guarantee of debentures. Mr Deakin assorts that neither Mr Clarke nor Mr Esplin have spoken to •him on the matter. There was nothing that could he described as a hitcli. Both Messrs Clarke and Esplin publicly deny that their mission is to secure better terms or to amend the contract. Notwithstanding the denials, tlio press state that the denials of Ministers are mere bluff; that there is undoubted information that the syndicate has intimated to the Government they have reached the limit of their resources, and have appealed to the Government for assistance.