DOMINIONS' COMMISSION

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14823, 14 November 1913, Page 9

DOMINIONS' COMMISSION

CABLE SERVICES

(By Cable.—Preae Associaticn.-Copyrigbt.) LONDON, November 12. At a meeting of the Dominions' Commission, Mr Crabb, Second Secretary to the Post Office, gave evidence. Hβ declared that a State cable was not justified at the present time. It would mean a deficit of £20,000 a year at the existing rates. The Post Office desired to consult the Dominions in every way, but rate-cutting by wireless and the possibilities of serious and costly breakdowns must be considered. Mr Crabb eaid he was aware that experiments were in progress to keep wireless messages secret. Sir Rider Haggard suggested the speeding-up of the South African steamships by a knot an hour, and an arrangement by waich Australian mail steamers would mako Cape Town the only port of call. Mr Crabb admitted that the proposals were worth considering, but speedingup would be co Jy, and much business was picked up via Suea. (Received November 14th, 12.5 a.m.) LONDON, November 13. At tho Dominions' Commission, Sir Henry Primrose, chairman of the Pacific Cable Board, stated that no further reductions in Australian rates cduld be' made -withont loss. Experience had proved that increased traffic did not always provide compensation for lowered rates. A State-owned Atlantic cable would not pay.