CHEAPER CABLES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9540, 17 June 1911, Page 3

CHEAPER CABLES.

DISCUSSION AT IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. (Bi Kliothio Tbumbaph-Copimom.) (Per Pbeb» Abbochtiqh.) LONDON, Juno 16. Sir Joseph Ward, in moving hie motion; in favour of tho reduction of cable ratos, at tho Imperial Conference, said that much had been accomplished, but the cheapening had not feone fal- enough. Postal experience ehowed that the reduction in charges to the point of securing for tho public freer use of the services produced more profitable working. It was tho ovorsea feeling that tho present ratee wore duo to a ring ( in- the cable world, and he hoped the Conference would effect an improvement in tho direction of more general use of the cables. Right Hon, Herbert Samuel, Postmas-ter-General, sympathised with and supported tho resolution, otaing that since last Conference, press rates had been reduced,, but.he, agreed that the progress was • not, adequate.- Steps wero being taken to securo cheapening in several directions. Firstly he hoped for aSO per cent, reduction on deforred cables. Secondly for a further reduction of tho press rate. Thirdly the Government intended to insert a clauso for new landing licenses giving control oyer rates providing se-' curity to companies against abuse of that power by appoal to railway and canal commission. Fourthly the developing of wireless, which would have some effect on cablo rates. Ho assured tho Conference that tho passing of tho resolution would be followed by effective achievement. ; Sir Wilfrid Laurior. declared that all tho trouble existing at present was duo to the Atlantio cables. The impression in Canada, almost amounting to conviction, was that a combine existed. Hon, Mr Samuel's suggestion would deal with tho combination. Hon. Mr Fisher . said the increased facilities of reduced rates appealed principally to Australia and New Zealand, becauso they were dependent on the cables for European and American information. He asked whether it,would bo feasible to grant a low rato over, tho Pacific cable for news cabled from' Australia, to Montreal, whence it could bo posted to Groat Britain. , ■ Hon. Mr Pearco, Federal Minister of Defence, asked whether (lie PostmasterGeneral had any information in regard to the refusal of tho Treasury's function to tho construction of a new cable from New Zealand to Australia, by the Pacific Cable Board, on the ground that i! wouid interfere with the development of wireless telegraphy. ... v.v lion. Herbert Samuel agreed to inform the Chancellor of the strong desire of Australia and Neiv Zealand to . have facable, and that' the Board- be authorised.' as far as Great Britain's:consent was?eoiP* cerned to lay tho (cable;'' Mr Asquith also' lion of the question, and the rerohilion was then adopted.