ONE COMPANY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 14 January 1928, Page 7

ONE COMPANY

FOR WIRELESS AND CABLES A LONDON SUGGESTION (By Eloctrio Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, 12th Jan. A "Financial Times" writer hints at a possible solution by forming a company covering both wireless and cable interests. He suggests that if the two systems were under one direction either could bo used, so that traffic could be directed in the quickest and most economical way, while tho saving in working costs might be £1,000,000 annually. BENEFITS FROM COMPETITION (Received 14th January, 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, 13th January. Sir Cliarles Bright, consulting engineer, who has been engaged on a number of cable-laving expeditions, and who reported to 'the Colonial Office on the Pacific cable scheme in 1897, in an article in the "Evening Standard" likens the cable scare of beam wireless competition to gas shareholders when electric supply was initiated. He points out that Governments in the early days heavily subsidised tho cable companies. For instance. Australia paid the Eastern Company £32,400 yearly from 1879 to 1899. Surely it was partly with an eye on future competition that the cable companies have built up largo reserves. Experience has shown that cable company amalgamations and working agreements have not been advantageous to tho public, tending to keen up the rates. What is needed, especially from an inter-Im-perial trade standpoint, is more British cables offering alternative routes, tinrl more wireless stations actually competing with the cables. Tims we'should secure the reduction in, rates long needed in the interests of the public, and a more effective Press service between the Mother Country and the Dominions.