PACIFIC CABLE BOARD.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18550, 27 November 1925, Page 9

PACIFIC CABLE BOARD.

♦ MODERNISATION NEEDED. (bt cable— pbess association—coftsiqxt.) (Sydney "Sen" Sebyice.) . LONDON. November 25. As a result of tho statements concerning Canada's suggested withdrawal from the Pacific Cable Board, attention has been focused on tho board's activities. The opinion is expressed in wellinformed circles that it is time the board's constitution was reviewed. It is pointed out that tho board itself is powerless to effect reorganisation, winch is tho prerogative of the partner Governments. Conditions have changed- since tho board was created, yet no attempt has been made to moderniso the methods to meet the competition of up-to-date rivals. The board meets for an hour or so monthly. Its members are not paid, and lack incentivo to push business. The chairman is not permanent, but is appointed periodically, and paid a small retainer.

Critics point out that it is extraordinary that such a loosely-knit organisation controls a reserve exceeding £2,000,000, and urge that the Governments should investigate and put the board's activities on a sound business footing and appoint a permanent and liighly : qualified "chairman, who would devote his whole time to the business. Thus economies could be effected in a few months moro than sufficient to pay the salary, and in addition London business would bo largely increased. [The Canadian Postmaster-General, the Hon. Charles Murphy, K.C.. recommended tho withdrawal of Canada from partnership in the Pacific Cablo Board in. consequence of tbo action of the majority of the -board in connexion with the awarding of contracts for the duplication of the cable between; Ba,miield, Fanning Island, and Fiji, providing for an expenditure of £2,260,000.]