The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 783, 2 March 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1871.

It seems to be generally admitted that some very important modifications will have to be made in the contract entered into by the Colony with Mr Webb, before it is likely to be carried into effect. We now find the various colonies of /Australia endeavoring to participate in the service, though not on the terms contemplated by Mr Vogel, and it is only natural, seeing that largely increased advantages, both in the shape of subsidy, and, what is more important, a largely increased goods and passenger ti'affic will accrue to Mr Webb by falling in with the views of the more powerful colonies, we must be prepared for any con tingency that migbt displace New Zealand from the extensive advantages she would have enjoyed under the original conditions of the contract. Matters are evidently tending in the direction anticipated by the Colonial Treasurer, so far as the neighbouring colonies being unable to ignore the advantages of a first-class monthly service via San Francisco. With a jealousy which, however ill-judged, was undoubtedly manifested, Victoria and New South Wales have all along evinced a spirit of hostility towards a Pacific service. The ill success which attended the Working of the Panama service was chiefly attributable to the difficulties

thrown in the way by those Colonics—they refused tocontributo to the subsidy a sum proportionate to the advantages they would derive from the permanent establishing of the line, and it is perhaps not too much to say that they regarded its failure with indifference. The present service to San Francisco, with a line of railway established across the American Continent, presents a very different aspect. The Hue has been tried, and the result has shown that really first class steamers are alone required for it to rank as a most advantageous and valuable undertaking. The same policy, however, that was pursued by Australia in respect to the Panama service has been adopted also iu connection with the San Francisco line. They lent no«hand in its initiation, aud only, when the resolute [determination of this Colony left no doubt as to the line being permanently established, have the neighboring Colonies come forward with an endeavor to deprive New Zealand of the fruits of her energy and perseverance. It is due to the concerted action of these Colonies in making overtures to Mr Webb, that the contract made by his agent, Mr Neilson, with our PostmasterGeneral, has been repudiated. Mr Vogel may have miscalculated in supposing that the Australian Colonies would permit New Zealand to control their postal communication, but their only remedy was to participate in subsidising the line, which there appears every likelihood of their doing. If, even, it should turn out that the report of the non-ratification of the San Francisco mail contract is correct, it by no means follows that Mr Vogel's scheme, as a means of affording a valuable postal service to the Colony, has proved a failure. The effect of the Australian Colonies having determined to contribute their . proportion to the subsidy, should be [ to enable New Zealand to obtain a ; service but little inferior to that originally contemplated, and at a greatly reduced cost.