The Hawaiian gazette., 1871-03-29

appeared inevitable that the coasting section Of
The voyage would have 10 te discontinued, be-
cause it must lead to delays, and exhibit dangers
which would deter prsdeut men from proceeding
with it,
The belief Of New Zealanders in the ad-
vantages snd necessity Of this Pacific line
to their progress, has been steadfast and
practical, and while the other countries
interested have been dilatory in coming
90 decision, they have announced their
readiness to give immediate and definite
assistance to the line of steamers that
may close with their terms. This conduct
I deserves success, and 1t may be that they
will secure the prize, and the management
of the route. At all events, Mr.. Nogefs
constituents have confidence that he will
make the most Of the situation and of the
authority given to him. and viii connect
Auckland with san Francisco, whatever
may become of the interests of Australia.
In closing with his offers, Messrs. Webb
& Holiday are evidently hoping to make
use of the contract with New Zealand as
a stepping-stone to that of Victoria, New
South Wales, and the United States, for
the establishing of their line between San
Francisco and Melbourne.
The news from Australia shows that
they have not yet decided on their course
Of action. The New South Wales Gov
ernment-the most interested party
have not positively recommended sub
sidy to their Assembly, although they
have indicated their preference of the San
Francisco route over that by Suez Their
Assembly has been in session since the
cath of January, and without doubt, be-
fore Its adjournment, a positive answer
viii be given to the offer of Mr.. Hall. to
connect Sydney with San Francisco. via
Honolulu and the Fills, at a subsidy of
e45, 200 per annum. The steamer City of
Melbourne, that arrived last Friday. is
the last one under the contract between
the New Zealand Government and Mr.
Hall No steamer for April viii, prob
ably, leave Sydney, unless the offer of
Mr. Hall has been accepted; and if so
accepted, the route viii be changed from
via Auckland to via Levuka, Fiji How
the matter stands in Sydney, is thus clearly
put by the following extracts from the
leading article of the Sydney Herald, of
Feb. 2sth:
The steamer leaving for California on WedneS-
day morning Is the last under the cancelled con-
Tract between Mr.. Hall and the New Zealand
Government. and under these circumstances II
becomes s matter Of immediate interest 10 know
what our Government means TO do with regard
20 this line Of mail communication.
Ii is true that Congress Is reported to have
passed the bill. authorizing s subsidy Of half a
million dollars per annum for q twelve years con-
tract Of thirteen services per year. Ihe report
was not true, but q subsidy has been refused al
together By Congress.-En. GAzErTE.l But.
then one Of the conditions Of that bill Is that an
equal subsidy shall be raised outside America,
and this Is q condition which il does Tot seem
likely viii be fulfilled. il Is not probable that
the Colonies would enter into q contract for q
tern Of twelve years, or grant any subsidy but
what seems Necessary for the purpose
Meanwhile the maximum necessary subsidy
seems TO have been determined by the fact that
Mr.. Hall bas offered 10 the Government TO run
four-week,y service from Sydney 10 San Fran
cisco for the sum Of E45.000 year and it would
seem at present that the continuity Of the service
viii depend upon this Government taking some
action in the matter. 1t Is TO be presumed that
with this offer 10 its possession it has lost no
time in ascertaining what assistance Queensland
and Victoria would grant 10 the service. Tie
- 4r, Hon. e
seems 10 indicate that Parliament there would
favor assistance 10 the extent Of $1,000 year;
but whether Victoria would contribute an equal
amount has not vet been made clear. During
the recent elections in that Colony, Ministers do
not seem to have referred TO this point while
the visit Of the Queen Of the Thames, with the
prospect Of g line Of similar steamers, seems to
have revived for a time sympathy with the Cape
r0ute. Yet. certainly for Sydney. the Cape route
can never vie for postal delivery with that VIA
San Francisco. nor probably can it do so for
Melbourne. though lis value for passengers and
goods Is undispute6. The possibilities Of the
route may be said to have been proved
though they have not been actually demonstrated.
The dsiour by Auckland has been far more diff
cult for the steamers than viii be the director
route bY FIN. and We can argue safely from what
has been done 70 what could be done. We know
that by this route We can obtain g foruightly CON-
munication with England. and We know the
maximum cost There vii attach to his route
the a5diiioCal incidental advantages Of regular
with Fiji. and Of a ira e with
Honolulu The importance Of keeping open the
route scarcely needs 10 be demonstrated, and the
only qGestion remaining 10 be considered Is.
whether New South Wales, having hitherto
played second fiddle to New Zealand, should
not now play first"
r. / ,-arv a,-i1aD+ -ha+ Y = IValaz ,-;IT
have to play second fiddle" unless they
bestir themselves at once. By the next
mail from there, we shall probably learn
Whist Their Assembly has concluded to
10 in the matter Of subsidy.