CABLE SERVICES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1640, 5 August 1903, Page 17

CABLE SERVICES.

THE PACIFIC LINE AND THE COLONIES. MELBOURNE, July 29. A despatch from Mr Chamberlain referring- to the suggested, coniereuc© of representatives of the Governments interested in the Pacific cable—-to consider the proposed agreement between the Commonwealth and the Eastern Extension Cable Company — has been laid on the table of the Houso of Representatives. Mr Chamberlain expresses regret at the receipt of the cable message expressing the inability of the Commonwealth, io agree to the suggestion, and adds: “The situation appears to me to point conclusively to the necessity for a closer definition of tho basis of partnership in the Pacific cable and a cleaver statement of the mutual obligations of tho partners. No more convenient way of attaining this suggests itself than tho appointment of a conference authorised to deal finally with the various matters in dispute. Britain joined tho combination chiefly Avith the desire to meet tho wishes of Canada, Australia and Now -Zealand. She would not of her own initiative have proposed tli9 new precedent created in this case. It is of tho greatest importance that the experiment should bo a success in every way, and it should contribute to tho union of the Empire, and not bo a source of division and irritation/' Unless some tribunal is arranged to settle differences, Mr Chamberlain fears there will be no hone in the future of such 00-operatidn being accepted by different parts of the Empire. THE EASTERN COMPANY’S AGREEMENT. MELBOURNE, July 29. In the federal House Mr Kir wan moved that the cable agreement be not ratified till the conference suggested by Mr Chamberlain has been held. Tho motion was negatived on tha voices. Sir Edmund Barton declared that when he made the agreement for ten. years he was actuated by the truest motives, and did it in the interests of all concerned. Tho ratification was agreed to.