CABLE RATES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7817, 9 June 1909, Page 4

CABLE RATES.

Per' Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, June 8. At the Press Conference greetings from India were received ; from the Earl of Minto, the Governor-General. Casual mention of Mr Joseph Chamberlain provoked loud cheers, which were renewed when Mr Austen Chamberlain stated that nothing struck his father more than the untry of thought and sentiment throughout the Empire. Upon an occasion of national rejoicing, overseas congratulations were, received immediately. , - . i. Lord Crewe quoted figures to show the great number of words cabled recording cricket compared with general news. It was possible that wireless telegraphy and the use of cables when otherwise upoccupied. would provide a partial remedy for the inadequate treatment of subjects of greater 1mPOMr nKyffin Thomas, of Adelaide, said there would be great delight m the Commonwealth if the next conference vere held m Australia. Cheaper cable rates would enable the colonies to secure much fuller reports of the doings of the Home folk. A Melbourne delegate called attention to the poverty of. colonial news m the London papers. The wealth, offer of a Dreadnought, though one of the greatest subjects of the hour, was given four ' lines. '' Mr Austen Chamberlain hoped that the Conference would not forget the pioneer work of. the cable companies and would treat them generously, but the companies must, make up their minds that times were changing and fresh needs were ahsing. Mr Temperley, New South Wales, advocated an All-Red route and the nationalisation of the Pacific cable. Mr Fenwick said that the Conference would be humiliated if the resolution regarding the cheapening of cable rates was not adopted. _ The Postmaster-General (Mr bidnej Burton) said that business men were reducing coding to a fine art. This was impossible with Press news; therefore it was right that special rates should be "ranted m order to place newspapers on an equality, with business men. Mr Buxton added that he anticipated that the Conference, had consulted the cable companies. He understood that the companies were willing to consider a reduction of rates if assured of considerable -additional matter. The amount spent on Press telegrams at present was small compared with the total expenditure. ' [ ■ Sir Hugh Graham proposed, and Lord Northeliffe seconded, a resolution making members of the Conference a standing committee to consider the question of an Imperial news service and take measures to secure a reduction of dates. This was carried unanimously. The discussion on the motion of Mr Ross, Ottawa, m favour of Stateowned cables m the Atlantic and Pacific, was adjourned till June 25, two hours bWng wholly inadequate for the proper discussion of the problems.