THE RIVAL CABLES.
CONFLICTING INTERESTS.
SYDNEY, February
The Hon W.* P. Crick, PostmasterGeneral, says the statement that Canada has withdrawn from the Pacific cable scheme is ridiculous. The contract has been signed by the Imperial government, and the line will have to be constructed under any circumstances. lie added that the statement appeared .to have been made on the strength of a cable message received a couple of days ago to the effect that if Canada had known that the conditions of the contract were to be altered it Would hate considered whether it should, continue its obligations, in connection with ; vhe scheme.
With reference to Canada’s alleged withdrawal from the Pacific cable project, the Agent-General has cabled to Mr Crick that the High Commissioner for Canada in London has received the following cable, and handed nun a copy : —“ The Canadian Government, entered the Pacific cable partnership with full confidence tha-t no partner Government would alter the conuioaus then existing to the prejudice of the scheme. V e consider the concessions to the Eastern. Extension Company have very materially altered the conditions, and seriously prejudice the Pacific line. Canarda will certainly be unwilling to continue its adherence if the co-partners, without mutual consent, have changed the basis upon which, the partnership was based. Last Saturday we received a cable from the Premier of Victoria asking for our views, and replied to the above effect.” . Mr Crick has' sent the following, through the Hon H. E. Copeland, Agent-General:—“ The agreement entered into with the Eastern Extension company does not, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, interfere with the prospects of the Pacific. An Act of Parliament binds this State to pay its share in the loss of the Pacific cable, and no good purpose can be secured by forcing the Eastern Extension charge to 4s lid per word as against 3s 6d. Canada has a shilling-a-word service, and should be pleased if Australia bad a service as cheap.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 11
Word Count
327THE RIVAL CABLES. New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 11
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