RIVAL SERVICES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 17 January 1928, Page 5

RIVAL SERVICES

WIRELESS AND CABLES QUESTIONS FOR CONFERENCE (By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright) (A.P.A. and "Bun"J ' LONDON, 16th Jan. "The Times" in a leader on cables and wireless says: "The conference will certainly be expected to consider how best to secure tho cheapest and most efficient service, enabling full freedom to exploit further inventions. Tiio beam, despite its rapid progress, is still in its youthful stage, and there arc also strategic considerations of incalculable benefit, which cheap swift, sure transmission confers on a community depending for its livelihood on imperial and foreign' trade. The beam's inroads on cables' profits have driven some directors to abandon an assumed indifference towards the new invention. There seems U definite prospect of their services becoming complementary, not competitive. Relative values will inevitably be modified and cables may become an auxiliary to wireless, but at present cables are probably generally quicker and surer. Their usefulness is not ended owing to their secrecy and greater immunity from interference. The British Government must retain ; control of cables in view of possible emergencies; 'nevertheless, wireless is overhauling cables owing to cheapness and the possibility of facsimile transmission, enabling a London newspaper to bo read within nn hour or two in Australia, also assisting the growth of tho telegraph habit. Rate cutting might be advantageous to • the public, but progressive collaboration would probably serve interests best. Any public misgiVing regarding amalgamation arises from the fear,) that; it would artificially maintain rates. Telegraphic communications, like a water supply, should only cost the public, sufficient to ensure a moderate re : turn for the invested capital. The position demands temporary regularisation rather than permanent standardisation as such might compromise the- future. To-day radio telegraphy promises services yet swifter, surer, and more universal, of which the public will not easily consent to be. cheated." '

CONFERENCE OPENED * (Received 17th January, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, 16th January. At tho opening- of the Wireless and Cables Conference, tjfie chairman, Sir John Gilmour welcomed the delegates, and announced the terms of reference, which read: ""To examine the situation which. has arisen as a result of the competition of beam wireless with the cable services and report thereon and make recommendations in view of a common policy being adopted by the. various governments concerned." The'conference' discussed the.procedure and adjourned till. 19th inst.