FRISCO-AUCKLAND SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 140, 22 September 1910, Page 8

FRISCO-AUCKLAND SERVICE.

AUCKLAND TRYING TO ARRANGE IT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. During the past few days negotiations of an important character have been proceeding between Mr. Gunson, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Samuels, of the Oceanic Steamship Co., in San Francisco, regarding the reported decision of the company to resume the Sydney-Auckland-San Francisco service at an early date. Mr. Gunson states that the fact that the Chamber of Commerce was in receipt of a letter from a responsible officer in the service of the Oceanic Co. indicating that it had been decided to resume the old service early next year, and the circumstances that the chamber was unable to get anything satisfactory from the Government on the question,, led him to open up direct negotiations with the Oceanic Co. in San Francisco, and the following cables had passed:—Cable | dated 10th inst, from Mr. Gunson to Mr. Samuels. Oceanic Co., San Francisco.

"Advice has been received here thai, you expect to resume on or about January. Very desirous for the resumption. Do you think an arrangement can be made to resume? Is there any possibility of it resuming? Telegraph full particulars. Be as prompt as possible." The reply, dated 17th inst., from Mr. Samuels to Mr. Gunson is as follows: "In view of the great success of the - Sierra we had planned resumption about May, provided we obtained from the New Zealand Government a subsidy of £ 2,000 sterling for each voyage. We were about to open negotiations when stopped by the New Zealand Government's contract with the Union Company of New Zealand, Ltd. We can be ready in about eight monthstime, but require expenditure oi £160,000 sterling for renewed service assuring Auckland 17 days each way, three- :igs." Cable dated 19th from Mr. Gunson to Mr. Samuels:—

"My chamber of commerce negotiating with New Zealand Government. Are we to understand that you will commence running eight months' time if we cam obtain £2,000 for a voyage, three-weekly sailings, 17 days each way, Frisco-Auckland, Telegraph firm offer. It is very important." The reply, dated the 20th inst., from Mr. Samuels to Mir. Gunson is as follows: "Desirable to defer answer until after conference with Sir James Mills, beginning November, about arrangement, which, we think will be satisfactory to all concerned." A further cable, d:>.ted 20th inst, sent by Mr. Gunson to Mr. Samuels:— "That will be too late. Sir James Mills is neither Prime Minister nor Postmaster-General here. He does not control the mail service of this Dominion, though he is trying to do so. Suggest for consideration it would be mistake to make private arrangement! with the Union Company. We are very dissatisfied with their proposals. I The time is opportune to telegraph a firm offer as per your telegram of. I7th September. Do so if possible.! We will then strongly urge New Zea-! land Government. Why defer until November? Auckland desirous of re-, sumption. Your service preferred be-1 fore others. Await your reply." I A reply was received this evening by! Mr; Gunson from Mr. Samuels:— i "Prime Minister, answering our in- i ■ quiries 27th August, telegraphed to. us on 29th August, not possible two i subsidies for similar service current, at the same time. Considering all i circumstances we will defer making de-1 finite proposals until after beginning I of November."