CABLE COMMUNICATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 3957, 24 January 1900, Page 5

CABLE COMMUNICATION.

THE CAPE TO AUSTRALIA SCHEAIE. SYDNEY, January 23. The “Daily Telegraph,” referring to Air Chamberlain’s recommendation to the colonies to accept the Eastern Extension Company’s Cape cable scheme, says that the only ground on which its rejection could be justified was that it might in some way interfere with the Pacific cable. This having now been removed, it is difficult to perceive what objection can be raised, to empowering the company to proceed with the line. Its offer ,is one, proceeds the “ Telegraph,” that could be accepted , without a moment’s hesitation, provided the guarantee of traffic asked for is reasonable. The matter will bo discussed at the Premiers’ Conference, which will open to-morrow, and it is probable that the company will accept any stipulation suggested by the Governments which will not absolutely destroy the chances of a reasonable profit. . “

The “Sydney Morning Herald,” commenting on the revival of interest in the Pacific cable owing to Mr Chamberlain appointing a second Commission, says that if the Pacific cable is started during the present year the Eastern Extension Company will have to bestir itself with the Cape cable. In any case, the interests of the colonies will •be served by this stimulating competition. OPPOSITION OF CANADA AND’.QUEENSLAND'.' ’ ; ’ ” (Received January 23, 10 p.ni.) ‘ - " BRISBANE, January 23. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Premier of CantPda, has cabled to the Government with regard to the question of cable construction, saying:—We sincerely hope that the Eastern Telegraph Extension Company’s Cape to Australia cable scheme wiil not be accepted. Any kind of-der lay might be fatal to the Pacific cable.’ ■; The Chief Secretary (the Hon J. R. Dick) has replied as follows ; —The Government of Queensland being sincerely desirous of seeing an early completion of the Pacific cable, will lend no countenance to the Eastern Extension Company’s proposal whereby the completion of the Pacific cable would be severely prejudiced.