DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2699, 1 December 1882, Page 4

DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

[i'KESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.] ■WELLINGTON, November 30. The following is from the "Post" with reference to the recent announcement that the Government had' extended the period in which the tenders would be received for -the direct steam service :—" We understand that the extension of time was decided npon finally through representation being made that the New Zcala-d Company's tendering would be placed at a disadvantage owing to the shortness of the notice at first given, and partly because it was thought on reconsideration advisable that the Agent-General should submit to the Government the full terms on which he proposed to invite tenders before such an intention was actually advertised. Accordingly full and elaborate instructions were sent to Sir Dillon Bell by the last San Francisco mail leaving Wellington the sth inst. This he will receive in December, allowing him ample time to consult those persons at Home whom he may deem most competent to ' advise, and to submit to the Government the scheme of the proposal drawn up by him as to the result of his experience and consultations as to the most judicious mode of proceeding. On Ministers receiving his draft proposals, they will make any alteration that may seem advisable, and notify the Agent-General by cable, also probably advertising in this colony the nature of these proposals as finally agreed upon. This will enable Sir Dillon Bell to advertise in London for a sufficient time, and also will allow of the Colonial ship owning companies communnicating with their London agents by mail, and sending full instructions as to tendering on their behalf. In this way it is believed a fair and ample competition will be secured without undue advantage being given in any direction. It is understood that the New Zealand Shipping Company will tender, but will have a service of their own definitely in operation beforehand. It i 3 also rumored that the Government have received intimation that the U.S.S. Company will be among the tenderers as well as the new firm formed by the combination of Messrs Shaw, Saville and Co. with the Albion Shipping Company. We have previously mentioned that Messrs Sloman, of Hamburg, the owners of the Sorrento, would most likely tender, also that other companies were expected to do so. If all these expectations should be realised there will be no lack of competition for the privilege of supplying New Zealand with a direct steam service."