THE MAIL SERVICE QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 24, 21 October 1901, Page 3

THE MAIL SERVICE QUESTION.

[PMB FBKB ASBOOIATIOK.] Melbourne, October 19. _ Tbe Agt says, regarding the suggestion that. New Zealand should come into the Federal mail contract and reap the advantage by establishing a fast service to Wellington and the Bluff for the carriage of mail*, that it is hardly likely the Federal Government will consent to contribute towards a service in which its States have no special interest" If New Zealand wants an independent mail service the Vancouver route appears to offer tbe best prospects of suocefs. The line would have to be maintained on a modern high class standard. Such a service, there is reason to believe, would command a subsidy from Canada, whilst the Imperial authorities might do something in the same direction to establish an all British mail line, via the Pacific, with Australasia.

In 'the House on Saturday morning, I Sir Joseph Ward's motion that a con-1 tract for the 'Frisco service be entered into for eighteen months was carried on the casting vote of the Chairman, Ayes being 32, and Ncs 32. Sir Joseph Ward moved an addition to the paragraph specifying the rates to provide that the minimum amount payable be £15,000, and the maximum £20,000. This was carried by 38 to 26. The remainder of the resolutions, relating to the' Frisco, Vancouver, and Federal services were then adopted without material alterations, and reported to the House. On the motion that tbe resolutions be agreed to, some debate took place, the resolutions being anally agreed to on the voices.