THE BROKEN COOK STRAIT CABLES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1057, 2 June 1892, Page 27

THE BROKEN COOK STRAIT CABLES.

STEPS TAKEN BY THE -GOVERNMENT. A STEAMER PURCHASED. Negotiations have been proceeding for some time between the Government and the Eastern Extension Gable Company for the use of one of their cable steamers to repair the broken Cook Strait cables. The amount asked by the Cable Company to send a steamer from Singapore to New Zealand ran into a very large sum, and it has been considered advisable,. instead of incurring this expenditure, to obtain a suitable vessel locally for the purpose. Negotiations were concluded on Monday, and the steamer Terranora, well known in the local trade has now been purchased by the Government. The steamer will be brought to Wellington at once, and will be equipped. under the immediate supervision and direction of Dr Lemon, Superintendent of the Telegraph Department, with proper cable lifting and repairing appliances. As soon as the necessary plant is placed on board, the Terranora will be despatched to effect the necessary repairs. No delay will take place. in making the necessary arrangements, and it contemplated that thß cables will be in full working order again at an early date. By the purchase of a local steamer a sum of no less than L7OOO has been saved to the Colony as against the cost which it. would have been necessary to incur by adopting the plan that formerly prevailed of bringing a steamer from Singapore.