DIRECT STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH EUROPE.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1289, 7 May 1878, Page 3

DIRECT STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH EUROPE.

The “ New Zealander” is indebted to the Hon. Minister for Immigration for copies of the following letters, the subject matter ol which has been referred to in telegrams : Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, IGth April, 1878.

Sir, —Reverting to the subject of the passage of emigrants from Europe to New Zealand by steam, I now desire to draw your special attention to this question with a view to your taking whatever action may he deemed moft likely to influence those who may feel disposed to embark in such an enterprise. I feel persuaded that a payable unbroken steam line between the mother country and this colony can be established, and that such line would do more towards attracting a steady stream of suitable immigrants to New Zealand than aught besides. When it is considered that the voyage would he accomplished in lets than half the time now occupied by sailing vessels, 1 do not

think that the conveyance of immigrants need cost much, if any, move than it has hitherto done.

It is, in my opinion; to he regretted that after the Colonial Immigration Policy was initiated, advantage thereof was not taken _ towards the establishment of a direct steam line. Even a portion of the money which the colony has expended on immigration would have gone a long way towards subsidising Buffi a service ; indeed it is not clear to me that we ought not to have applied the large sum now paid annually towards the Californian lino to the subsidising of a direct line of steamers of sufficient power and capacity, to have combined both a postal and emigration service. It seems very doubtful if Now Zealand is receiving anything like an adequate quid pro quo in respect of the Californian subsidy. _ It is useless, however, now, to regret the omissions and blunders of the past, and I feel convinced, that if gone about with earnestness and determination, this may be redeemed in respect of the future.

The trade of New Zealand is increasing at an enormous rate : the production of grain alone is even now assuming a magnitude which, when the railway is completed, and the available country occupied, will sink into comparative insignificance. There can, I think, be little doubt, that in the course of a very few years, this colony in addition to its other productions, will supply the markets of the world with food to an extent, unequalled by any other country of similar area and population. The production of cereals this year, in Canterbury and Otago alone, is over 260,000 tons the population of both provinces being a mere handful. No doubt these facts are already patent to your mind. I allude to them as aifording one of the elements which may fairly bo taken into account in considering the question as to whether or not a direct steam service will pay. With steam vessels so constructed as to carry grain in bulk, I sec nothing to prevent our competing in the European market with any other country to the extent of hundreds of thousands of tons annually. In estimating the prospects of a steam line to New Zealand, it is not so much the carrying of cargo that may bo reckoned upon, ns that of passengers, a very large proportion of whom would be of what may be termed the * ‘ paying class.”

You may rely upon it, that so surely as New Zealand is brought within forty days’ sail of England by means of floating hotels the attracton of the hot springs in the North and grandeur of the scenery in the Middle Island will lead to an enormous passenger traffic to and from Europe : in point of fact, New Zealand must inevitably become an essentid portion of the “grand tour.” In writing tins, I may perhaps be regarded as stepping somewhat outside of the conventionalism of official correspondence. The conviction on my triad, however, is so strong as to the magnitude of the results which must needs accrue from a thoroughly efficient direct steam service between New Zealand and the mothercountry, that I cannot refrain from thus freely expressing my thoughts on the subject. I might say a great deal more in favor of such an undertaking were it not that I feel assured that you are as fully alive ta its importance as myself, and that you will leave no stone unturned to get it carried into effect. I may remark that this is no new idea in as far as I am concerned, and th it several years ago a correspondence took place on the subject between the “ Albion Shipping Company” and the Superint ndont of Otago. The former were inclined to dispose of their splendid fleet of sailing vessels and to replace them by suitable steamers, provided the province would have entered into an immigration contract npm certain terms At the time, however, the aspect of colonial policy was such that the Provincial Government was paralysed in its action, and hence the negotiations fell to the ground, much to the detriment of New Ze dand. Ido not know how far the “Albion Company” might bo induced to entertain a similar proposal now ; but as I understand the company still comprises some of the most extensive and eminent steamship builders on the Clyde, it might be well for you to communicate with them on the subject. I will now r allude to another view, or phase, of the question. Of course, if a steam line be established it is supposed to have its terminus at some port in New Zealand, and here it is to be feared arises a difficulty. It is a difficulty, however, which I would fain hope may be found to be more apparent than real should the matter ba brought to a practical issue. It is supposed that there is so much jealousy towards one another on the port of the leading communities throughout the colony, that rather than let any one port have the advantage of being the terminus of a steam lino, the colony would forego the benefit of such a service alto gether. While there may be some amongst us who are influenced by such narrow-minded and impracticable views, I venture to hope that such opinions are not entertained by many. Now that we have taken a fresh startingpoint, upon the basis of a national IPe, it is to be hoped that all parts of the colony will be alike to all. As it is, I should feel disposed to leave the question of terminus, or ports of call, very much to the judgment of the contractor. It w T ould be for him to select such port as would best enable him to carry cn the service on the lowest terms to the colony. I have only further to express an earnest hope that you may In able to succeed in at once breaking ground in this important matter, and that proposals may spring up sufficiently tangible to enable them to be dealt with by the Legislature at its ensuing session. I am, &c., J. Macandrew. Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Immigration office, Wel’ington, New Zealand, 26th April, 1878. Sir, —There is one very important fact which I omitted to notice in my letter to you relative to a direct steam lino to New Zealand, which is that the colony is now being circumnavigated with the utmost regularity and safety by a number of first class steam vessels, so that travellers visiting New Zealand have no difficulty in moving about from one part of the colony to another by sea. There are also regular steamers between New Zealand and the Australian colonies. These are considerations which should have some weight with those who may feel disposed to entertain the proposal of a direct steam line from Europe. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, J. Macandrew. The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.