PACIFIC GABLE BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19013, 8 November 1923, Page 7

PACIFIC GABLE BOARD

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN. DOMINION MINISTERS’ PROTEST. Pram Association —B» VoUpraph— Copyright LONDON, November 6. (Received Nov. i, at 8.25 p.m.) It is understood, that the Treasury nas appointed Sir William Mercer to the vacant chairmanship of the Pacific Cable Board. It is believed, however, that the dominion representatives protested against the appointment, urging that the members of the board should be consulted, Certain members also hold that in consequence of the projected developments and £he growing importance of cable business a man with specialised training rather than an official should bo appointed. Meanwhile feir William Mercer’s appointment has not been confirmed.—A. and N.Z. Cable. Sir William Mercer, who is 68 years of age, was secretary to the Pacific Cable Committee in 1896, and principal clerk in 1898, During the year 1901 he was a member of the Pacific Cable Board. JL'he previous chairman of the board was Sir Henry Babington Smith. A message from London, dated October 28, stated: “An interesting situation has arisen over the personnel of the Pacific Cable Board, particularly the chairmanship. 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 ensuing session, when it is hoped to modernise its provisions and remove the sole control from a partner who is not the largest shareholder. In the meantime the position has been regarded as requiring a small portion of the occupant’s time, and it had carried a small emolument, iliere is now a proposal to continue this policy by appointing an aged British official who lias long been connected with the uoard, but it is understood that the dominions disagree with this. Therefore the presence of the Prime Ministers is opportune. It is believed that Mr Bruce and Mr Massey are both interested. " There is also a question to consider, whether, in view of the coming keen competition of wireless for which the private cable companies are preparing an elaborate organisation, the Pacific Board s.i < not have a qualified executive chairman facing the extra cost of the salary lor the sake of efficiency, without which it will most likely fall behind its competitors' in the race for business. The whole matter is likely to be the subject of negotiations with the Imperial Government. It is believed that there .s a u: chance of securing a settlement on finally satisfactory lines while the Prime Ministers are here than otherwise.''