THE PACIFIC CABLE.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 123, 21 November 1895, Page 2

THE PACIFIC CABLE.

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TAKES A BUSINESS-LIKE STEP. fPBKSS ASSOCIATION.') London, 19th November.

In reply to a deputation, Mr. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, said the Government had decided to promote a cable across the Pacific, the landing places being confined to British territory. A commission of Bit, added Mr. Chamberlain, would be set up and empowered to call witnesses to enquire as to the route and the oost of survey and the laying of a duplicate and single core cable, and report as to the whole question. Great Britain, Canada, and the Australasian colonies would each nominate two members to the Commission. (Reoeived November 21, 10.30 a.m.) London, 20th November. Mr. Chamberlain said he regarded the deputation as a meeting of a Oonucil of the Empire. The prosenoe of delegates from the Cape and Natal waa evidenae of solidarity and sympathy. He believed a Paoifio cable held ont a fair proapeot of paving, PROMPT ACTION BY THE COLONIESSydney, This Day. The Agent-Genoral has advised the- Premier of Mr. Chamberlain's approval of the appointment of a Commission to enquire into tho Pacific Cablo question Mr. lioid was asked to communicate with the Premiers of the other oolonioa, which he immediately did. Last night he received a communication from Mr. Seddon asking him to suggest tho course to bo pursued by the oolonios interested in electing delegates. Mr. Cook, Postmaster-General, states that the Commission scheme ia the outcome of general representations made by the Premiers through the Agents-General. He is highly pleased at Mr. Chamberlain taking the matter up.