PACIFIC CABLE BOARD

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11663, 30 October 1923, Page 6

PACIFIC CABLE BOARD

NEED OF REORGANISATION. OH AIRAI AN SHIP VA CANT. (Sydney “Sun” Cable.) LONDON, October 28. An nteresting situation has arisen over the personnel of the Pacific Cable Board, particularly the chairmanship, which at present is vacant. The office is in the gift of the British Treasurer, under a somewhat archaic statute, which also permits him to dispose of any surplus. It is understood that the Act will come up for review during the coming session, 'when it is hoped to modernise the provisions and remove the sole control from a partner who is not the largest shareholder. In the meantime the position of the chairman has been regarded as requiring but a small portion of the occupant’s time, and has carried small emoluments. 1 here is now a proposal Lo continue this policy by appointing an aged British official who has long been connected with the hoard. KEEN COMPETITION.

But it is understood that the Dominions are disagreeing with the proposal, and therefore the presence of the Premiers is opportune. It is believed that Air Bruce and Air Afassey are both interested. There is the question to. consider whether in view of the coming keen competition with wireless, for which the private cabte companies are preparing an elaborate A n L, s^ on 2 organisation, the PacifiCabio Board should not have a qualified executive chairman, and face th<‘ extra cost of his salary for the sake of efficiency, without which the service is most likely to fall hehii d its competitors in tho race for business.

The whole matter is likely to he the subject of negotiations with the Imperial Government. It is believed that there is a much better chance of securing finality on satisfactory lines while the Premiers are here than otherwise.