AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11187, 8 February 1897, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

[Per Press Association.] PACIFIC CABLE. SYDNEY, Feb. 6. Mr Audley Coote has written to the Postmaster-General, calling his- attention to the French scheme for a Pacific cable, and intimating that be bad full power to enter into a contract to construct a cable through to America. Mr Cook has replied that it is open to Mr Coote to bring his scheme before the Pacific Cable Commission, but it could hardly be expected that New South Wales, having agreed to a certain route, would take -steps to bring forward an alternative ‘ and competitive route. The time had gone by for any of the colonies to subsidise a cable owned by a private company under absolutely foreign management. ■ THE VANCOUVER MAIL SERVICE. The statement cabled from New Zealand, that the Aorangi will call at Wellington in May, is scarcely accurate. She will go to Vancouver via Fiji. It is anticipated that a service alternating with the San Francisco service will be arranged, and it is hoped that the Aorangi on her second trip, in July, will call at a New Zealand port. No decision has been come to about the port of call, but the port offering the best harbour facilities and trade will be selected. MB SEDDON. HOBART, Feb, 6. The Hon R. J. Seddon will spend a few days at Launceston before proceeding to Melbourne. THE QUEEN’S REIGN. The Premiers decided that they could not collectively accept Mr Chamberlain’s invitation to be present at the, celebration of the Queen’s reign, but that each would answer it separately.