SYDNEY-AUCKLAND CABLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15672, 27 January 1913, Page 3 (Supplement)

SYDNEY-AUCKLAND CABLE.

COMMEMOEATION OF OPENING,

AUCKLAND, January 14. The completion of the laying of the direct Sydney to Auckland cable was today commemorated at the Town Hall, when a number of leading citizons assembled at luncheon at the invitation of the Pacific Cable Board. Mr John Milward, Australasian manager, presided, and those present included the Post-master-general (the Hon. R. H. Ehodes), the Mayor (Mr C. J. Pan 1 ), and others.

In proposing the toast of "The Post and Telegraph Department," coupled with the name of the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, the Chairman said that nowhere in the world did tiio population enjoy greater* benefits in the way of postal and telegrdphic facilities. New Zealand, in fact, in his opinion, possessed tho cheapest and best telegraph service in tho world.

The Hon, Mr Rhodes, in reply, said that ho realised the truth of what Mr Milward had said and readily admitted that all the credit there was had to bo kid at the feet of his predecessors, and most of all to Sir Joseph Ward. Tho Minister paid a tribute to tho very fine work done by the department and its staff in New Zealand.

In proposing tho toast of tho Pacific Cable Board, the Postmaster-general said that ho had to admit that it was only since taking offico that ho had taken a stimulated interest in cable matters.

A number of other toasts were proposed and duly honoured.