NEW ZEALAND AND CANADA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 78, 22 September 1911, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND AND CANADA.

THE NEW STEAMER SERVfCE. APPROVED BY PARLIAMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Lost Night. In the House of Representatives thin evening the Prime Minister asked the House to ratify the arrangement entered into for the renewal of the mail service between Canada and New Zealand. He had hoped Australia would have joined in the contract, but for reasons oE their own they had decided otherwise. The term of contract was for five years from August 1, 1011. Three steamer* were to be engaged in the service. They were the Makura, Marama and Zealnndia, and he was informed that the Union Company were preparing to put; another steamer on. Special conditions were embodied in the contract to allow for perishable produce being freighted to Vancouver. There were 10,000 cubic, feet of spnee in two of the ships, and 5000 in the other for frozen produce. Two thousand cubic, feet of spaee had been reserved for New Zealand. After July 1 next fresh arrangement* would be entered into regarding the reservation of space for New Zealand. The speed of the vessels was very satisfactory, the New Zealand mails being landed in London in 31 days. A faster service could not be provided for £-.20,001). A maximum amount had been fixed for freight charges and passenger fares, and this could not be exceeded. The service would alternate with the 'Frisco service. The reason that the short period of five year* had been fixed for the contract was that the Panama Canal would be opened shortly before, the expiration of the contract, and there was bound to be a difference then in services from here to England, It was very important to have connection between this country and Canada. The amount to be paid for the service was a very moderate one. Mr. Massey said there was very I idle difference of opinion in the matter. The general opinion at the present time wan that New Zealand's mail service was. out of date. He was pleased that the steamers were twin-screw and were equipped with wireless.

Messm Poole. Myers and Luke supported the motion. Mr. Hemes suggested tliat the numerolis Mervices should be dispensed with, •and one fast service maintained.

Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, said ..£20,000 was the whole amount for. the service*. No postage!) were to he paid.

The motion was agreed to, and the House rose at 11.20.