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The Imperial Steamship Company begs to point out that in 1907 it was conceded that the matter should have immediate attention. During the five years which have since elapsed the need of this service has been accentuated. It is most desirable that the growing interchange of trade between Canada and Australia should be encouraged, and nothing will do as much to bring about closer relations as a good mail and passenger service.. In connection with closer relations between Canada and tin- West Indies, an improved steamship service was considered to be absolutely necessary, and the necessity will be even more apparent in the case of the development of trade with Australasia. The liberal contribution which the New Zealand Government is prepared to make towards the establishment of the proposed service deserves the recognition of the British (lovemment, as the people of the British Isles will reap the benefit of the improved facilities. Canada is abou fco send a representative to Australia and New Zealand to discuss improved trade relations, and he should lie able to discuss with their Governments the details of this improved service. In the circumstances, it seems reasonable to ask the Government o Great Britain to come to an early decision, and. by undertaking the payment of a fair share of the mail subvention, to assure the immediate carrying-out of an enterprise of immense importance to the Empire. I have, &c, C. N. Armstrong. The Right Hon. Herbert M. Asquitb. Prime .Minister. Downing Street, London S.W. [P.O. 13/176(1).]

No. 138. [News Extract, 9th April. 1913.] (Press telegram.) Ottawa, 7th April, 1913. The Government has contracted with the chief Canadian steamship lines to carry British mails exclusively in future. No British-Canadian mails will henceforth come via New York. A subsidy of one million dollars (£200.000) is to be granted. LH.I.. Vol. r>. p. !(>:{.l

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