A.-5.

between Canada and Great Britain a mail service equal in speed and character to the service now in existence between England and New York, there is no doubt, and there can be no doubt at all, that we would save in the journey at least two days, or about two days, inasmuch as we have an advantage in our favour in distance of nearly 900 miles. Taking the figures between Liverpool and New York and Liverpool and Halifax, the distance in our favour, I think, is exactly 882 miles, or in the neighbourhood of 900 miles. Therefore, it follows, as a thing which cannot be disputed, that if we have a service of equal speed, and offering the same advantages and inducements as the service which now plies between New York and Liverpool, we would save in distance to be travelled at least two days. The actual miles between Liverpool and Halifax are exactly 2,342. The distance between Liverpool and Quebec, which might be the summer route by way of the Strait of Belle Isle, is 2,636 miles. The distance between Liverpool and Vancouver by way of Halifax is 6,004 miles; the distance from Liverpool to Vancouver via, Quebec is 5,330; it is a little shorter via Quebec. Halifax is nearer than Quebec from Liverpool.- I do not think there can be any dispute but that a great advantage would be derived and easily a service could be made in eight days—four days on the Atlantic, and four days crossing the Continent or probably less. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : That is to Vancouver. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : Yes, to Vancouver. As to this proposition I do not apprehend that there can be any two views upon the subject. The facts cannot be disputed that a service can be abbreviated and very much shortened by using the line from England to Halifax in preference to the line from England to New York. With regard to the Pacific Ocean, in the motion which I have proposed I say that the object we should have in view should be to establish a steamship service of at least 18 knots. If this be accepted, the distance between Vancouver and, say, Sydney, taking that as an objective point, would be 6,818 knots. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : That is leaving out New Zealand. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I take Sydney as an objective point. The figures might be modified with regard to the different ports. The distance would be 6,818 knots to Sydney. The distance could be covered in 16 days, and therefore we should have between England and Sydney a service of about 24 days —four days across the Atlantic, four days across the Continent, and 16 days on the Pacific Ocean. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : How many miles to New Zealand ? Sir WILFRID LAURIER : A little less—about 300 miles less. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : That would make it about 23 days. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : The only objection I see to the plan which I now propose, as far as the Pacific Ocean is concerned, is having at once a service of 18 knots. 1 think it is an object, however, which should be kept in mind, as a goal to be striven to. Ido not say that it would be possible to have it in operation immediately, but the proposition that I lay before the

Fifteenth Day. 14 May 1907.

Mail Service to Australia and New Zealand via Canada. (Sir Wilfrid Laurier.)

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