THE CABLE CHARGES.

Evening Star, Issue 7411, 5 January 1888, Page 2

THE CABLE CHARGES.

WELLINGTON, January 5,

The Premier has received a further cablegram from Sir J. Pender re cable rates. Sir J. Pender urges the claim of the Company to increased returns, and gives figures pointing to the conclusion that the Company cannot obtain a moderately fair return on their capital under a lower tariff than ten shillings for the first ten words, or its equivalent in a subsidy. The Government are considering what should be done. They are prepared to insist on terminal charges should the Company impose extortionate rates ; but if the latter can show that their position is reasonable, probably this would not be insisted upon. The following additional correspondence has taken place : London, 3lst December. Hon. Major Atkinson, Premier, Wellington. Have received your telegram of this date. I presume you mean 9d, as stated in clause 11, not 6d, for each additional word; but, as already mentioned, 6d is insufficient to give a fair return on the outlay, and the Company have no ftlieroative bvxfc to «&»rge 8a 6d over the New Zealand cable from first of January. We admit your right to make any terminal rate you please, but you already charge 6d, and every addition to the tariff would only increase the public inconvenience and further cripple the tariff. To recoup the loss of the subsidy, we require tariff of 10s, but in order to minimise the public inconvenience as far as possible, we sacrifice Is Id, aud think Unit the Government phould make a similar sacrifice. J. PENDER.

Wellington, January 5,1888. Chairman Eiistcrn Extension Company, London.

We collect for cable, from Ist January, 8s fid for the first ten words or less, and lOd for every additional word. The Government do not sre their way to reduce or abandon the present terminal charge, and hold themselves at liberty to reopen tho question of a terminal rate Bhould it, upon further consideration, be deemed necessary. H. A. Atkinson.