Imperial Conference.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1345, 17 June 1911, Page 5

Imperial Conference.

STATE-OWNED CABLE DEBATED. (Press Association.—By Telegraph.™ Copyriglui. London, Yesterday. At tlio conference, Australia and New Zealand withdrew their resolutions in favor of a State-owned cablo, lor Mr Samuel's motion: "That unless the Atlantic Companies from tiino to time reduced their rates, the various Governments would consider the desirableness of laying a Stato cable." Mr Asquith presided. Sir J. Ward's motion for cheapening j;ablo rates was adopted. Mr Samuel stated that steps had been taken that had secured reductions in various directions, including press rates. .Replying to Mr Poarce, ho said ho would urge tho Treasury to consent to the Pacific Board's constructing a second New Zealand cable. Mr Poarce, moving for a Stateowned Atlantic cable, outlined his scheme, which Sir J. Ward supported. Mr Samuel declared tho expenditure was unjustified at present.

DEBATE ON THE GABLE SERVICES. ALLEGATIONS OF A COMBINE. PROBABLE EARLY REDUCTION IN RATES. Receivod June IG, 9.5 p.m. London, Last Night. Sir Jcs3ph Wsrd, in moving his motion in favour of the reduction of cablo rates, said that much had beon accomplished, but the cheapening had not gone far onongii, Postal experience showed that the rodnction in oharg3B to the point of securing for the pnblio freer use of the services produced more profitable working. It was the oversea feeling that the present rates were due to a ring in tho cable world, and he hoped the Conference would effect an improvement in the direction of mora general use of the cables.

Bight Hon. Herbert Samuel, Post-master-General, sympathised with and supported the .resolution, stating that since last Conference, prasa rates had been reduced,but lie agreed that the progress was not adequate. Steps were being taken to seonre oheapenjtig in several directionsFirstly he hoped for a 50 per oent. reduotion on deferred cables. Secondly for a further reduction of the pms rata. Thirdly the Government Intended to insert a clause fcr new landing licenses giving control over rates providing security to companies against abuse of that power by appeal to railway and oanal commission. Fourthly the developing of wireless, whioh would have some effect on cable rates. He assured the Conference that the passing of the resolution would be lollowod effective achievement, Sir Wilfrid Laurier declared that all the trouble existiug at preaant was due to the Atlantic cables, The impression in Canada, almost amounting to oonviction, was that a oombme existed, Hod. Mr Samuel's suggestion would deal with the combination. THE PACIFIC ROUTE. Hon, Mr Fisher 1 said the increased facilities of reduoed rates appealed principally to Australia and New Zealand, because they were dependent on the cables for European and American information. He asked whether it would be feasible to grant a low rate over the Pacific oable for news cabled from Australia to Montreal, whence it oould be pestsd to Great Britain, NEW TASMAN CABLE WANTED. Hon. Mr Peane, Federal Minister of Defenoe, asked whether the Post-master-beneral had any information in regard to the refusal of the Treasury's sanction to the construction of a new cable from New Zealand to Australia by the Pacific Cable Board, on the gronud that it would interfere with the development nf wirolass telegraphy. ~*

Hon. Herbert Samuel agreed to inform the Ohanoelior of the strong desire of Australia and New Zealand to have a cable and that the Beard be authorised as far as Great Britain's consent was conc3rned to lay the cable.

Mr Asqoith also promised consider' ation ot the question and the resoln tion was then adopted.