13 MAY 1905, Page 3

A Parliamentary Paper on the West Indian Mail Contract question

was issued on Tuesday. The facts of the ease are set out as follows. Tenders were invited last autumn, and the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, the holders of the contract, alone responded, submitting three offers. Being of opinion that the best offer could only be accepted if the Colonies agreed to increase their contribution, the Govern- ment communicated confidentially with the Governors, but the Governor of Barbados inadvertently made known the terms of the Royal Mail tender. Colonial feeling being against the increase, the Government decided to discontinue the contract as from July 1st, but on Elder, Dempster, and Co. having come forward with a far more advantageous offer, they resolved to invite tenders generally.