THE INTERRUPTED CABLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15721, 23 September 1914, Page 7

THE INTERRUPTED CABLE.

FANNING ISLAND SILENT.

PACIFIC MANAGER'S PLANS.

REPAIRING THE DAMAGE

RE-ERECTION OF STATION MAY BE NECESSARY.

No further communication has been received from the Fanning Island station of the Pacific cnblo since the last warning message was sent by the superintendent on the morning of September 8. Additional information regarding the interruption of the cable was given yesterday by .Mr. John M. Milward, manager in the Pacific for the Cable Board, who returned by the repair steamer Iris from Vancouver. 'J wo messages were despatched by the superintendent at Fanning Island during the early hours of September 8. The first reported : _■• Large steamer approaching, probably Nurnberg." and the second stated that the "large three-funnelled man-o'-war" was flying the French flag and that the superintendent was going off to her. That wa6 the last message sent ! out from Fanning Island., for immediately afterwards communication was interrupted. : Mr. Milward has since learned that the ! messages which were received at Suva and transmitted to New Zealand were also received by the Bamfield Creek station, the Canadian terminal of the cable. Although the information given by the two messages is so meagre, Mr. Milward expressed no doubt rogardinc the accuracy of the superintendent's first report as to the identity of the warship. The Nurnberg coaled at Honolulu about a week before, arriving at the American, port the day after the Iris left for Fanning Island on her return voyage. Isolated Station Without Defences. Whether the cable has been literally cut or possession of the station secured by the enemy is a speculation open to everyone. The island had no protection of any" kind against the aggression of the enemy, and the actual cause of the interruption -will probably not be known until investigations are made by some authority equipped to dispute the rights of strangers, or to deal with an hostile warship if it still remains at the island. The Iris arrived at Suva from Fanning Island a few hours after the interruption of the cable, but, baying neither arms nor escort, it was never contemplated that she should return to investigate the sequel to the warning messages of the morning. The voyage to Norfolk Island and Auckland was resumed, and the ordinary duties of the vessel completed.

Flans for Complete Restoration.

Preparations have been made by Mr. Mil ward, for the restoration of the cable service as soon as arrangements have been made that will enable the work to be undertaken. Since he has no explanation of the cause of the interruption, Mr. Milward has based his plans on the presumption that the entire equipment of the station, including biddings and instruments, will have to be replaced. He stated that, provided protection is given against further interference by the enemy, he will be able to restore communication within one month from the departure of the equipment and workmen from Auckland. Should the presumptive damage to the station be less extensive, the restoration will be effected in a proportionately shorter time.

Heavy Traffic ol War Hews.

Discussing the interruption of the cable from the commercial point of view, Mr. Milward remarked that the enforced idleness of the cable was in every way most regrettable. Since the outbreak of the war the traffic had increased .very greatly, and when the interruption occurred the cable was handling 24,000 words a day. The cable was being worked to its maximum capacity, with no more than the normal delay', though a slightly heavier traffic could have been sustained without serious delay in transmission. . This, rate was determined by the "slowest" section, the long span of 3458 nautical miles from Fanning Island to Bamfield Creek (Vancouver Island). This fine result was j accomplished through the splendid service of the board's staff. "Our men realised that the cause of the Empire required some sacrifice on their part," said Mr. Milward, "and, recognising their duty, they performed it with splendid devotion. Every man worked double shifts, and I have nothing but praise for their fine work." Mr. Mil ward added that the heavy demand upon the cable had afforded a convincing proof of its capacity, and a complete answer to the warnings that the cable would never be able to earn enough to pay its way.