AUSTRALIAN STEAMER SERVICES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2113, 22 June 1907, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN STEAMER SERVICES.

TRADE WITH THE EAST.

United Press Association —Copyright SYDNEY, June 20. A deputation urged upon Mr, Carruthers that the growing trade with the East necessitated providing improved communication, and also protested against interference on the part of Victoria by means of subsidised Melbourne-owned whereby preference was given to Victorian merchants to the detriment of those in other States. It was pointed out that after Burns, Philip and Company and Adelaide exporters had gone to a large amount of trouble in developing the trade with Singapore and Java, Victoria proposed to step in and take it. The deputation asked the New South Government to use their influence to see that no subsidy was paid by Victoria or that the Government subsidise the present New South Wales service and thus equalise matters. Mr. Carruthers considered Victoria’s action unconstitutional. The Commonwealth Government were not under the thumb of Victoria, which he believed it was. He was not built of stuff that would let the matter go as Victoria expected it would. He thought the fair thing would be for. the Government to equip or subsidise a line of steamers similar to Victoria, and added; “If they want fight we will give them fight.'” At the same time if Victoria would agreo to fair torms he was willing. As regards the t-raijo of the East, they ought certainly to be pioneers of development. The Premier of Queensland was at one with him on that question. He believed Sir Joseph Ward also showed a similar attitude. PACIFIC MAIL ROUTE. , LONDON, June 20. Messrs. Howard Smith and Co., the Australian shipowners, working in conjunction with Andrea' Weir and Co., will conduct the Pacific mail service from Seattle and San Francisco. .