THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1907. THE FAST MAIL SERVICE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8483, 10 July 1907, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1907. THE FAST MAIL SERVICE.

There has in the past been an inclination on the part of the Imperial Government to hesitate in participating in the establishment of a fast mail service from England to Australia via Canada and New Zealand. Owing largely to colonial representations a conference is being arranged in London, when delegates from the Governments interested will discuss the matter. The High Commissioners of the colonies will probably be the colonial delegates. The conference will, no doubt, result in a definite scheme being formulated and a definite agreement drawn up covering contributions and ports of call. Sir Joseph Ward has expressed himself as favourable to New Zealand contributing £IOO,OOO towards the service, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Premier of Canada, is favourable to Canada participating in the project. The Imperial and Commonwealth Governments are the uncertain factors. Any distinct inclination on the part of the United Kingdom to further the scheme can very easily be materialised into action, as the resources and profits of its Post Office are so great. The only difficulty with Australia will probably be in connection with Brisbane being made a port of call. The establishment of a fast mail service to the colonies is of the utmost importance, as it will help to recover the trade of the Pacific to the British flag, and render our mails independent of foreign subsidies.