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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5032, 10 May 1877, Page 2

We believe the New South Wales PostmasterGeneral has proposed to the contractors for the San Francisco mail service, on their own behalf and that of New Zealand, to commence the modified service with the outgoing steamer, the contractors to be relieved from calling at Kandavau and the New Zealand Government undertaking the coastal service, at the reduced subsidy of £72,500, to be payable, £40,000 by New South Wales, and £32,500 by New Zealand. This proposal was made with the distinct reservation that it was only as a temporary measure ; and should the New South Wales Government and Parliament refuse to ratify the arrangement, the contractors must tall back upon the original contract and carry out the service as originally tendered for. The contractors (through their agents) have accepted these terms, and the outgoing steamer commences the temporary arrangement. Of course, the reservation as t) the assent of the New South Wales Parliament will be understood by all, it being customary in all such agreements as that under notice to make similar reservations. The necessity for making provisi n for the acceptance or rejection of the proposals by the Cabinet of New South Wales, arises from the fact that Mr. Parkes, Premier of that colony, has been ill for some time, and that of course until his return to health the formal ratification of, the Ministry cannot be obtained. We notice with pleasure that the difficulties which were lately apprehended in connection with the San Francisco mail service, iu consequence of the change of Ministry in New South Wales, may now be said to have pretty well disappeared.

A TELEGRAM in another column meuti-ins the formation in Melbourne of an anti-patronage society, the object of which is to secure appointments in the Civil Service of Victoria being given to the best men as indicated by the results of competitive examinaoiou. Without going into the question as to whether the test proposed will really be the best, we can readily understand, from New Zealand experience, that some change in the mode of appointment is desirable, and we have advocated a change. That it is also desirable and necessary in Victoria was shown at an election meeting in that colony the other, day. Mr. Levieu, a candidate, when addressing las constituents, said that on the night when the fate of the Berry Government was trembling in the balance the vote of Mr. John Thomas Smith was considered uncertain, and, M)-. Berry invited Mr. Levien to promise Mr. Smith that any Government appointment should be placed at his disposal if he would give his vote. Mr. Levien declined to take part in this bribery and corruption, and hence he has since been regarded with an evil eye by the stone-wall leader.