SYDNEY-AUCKLAND CABLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3071, 22 January 1913, Page 8

SYDNEY-AUCKLAND CABLE.

COMMEMORATION OF OPENING

OFFICIAL LUNCHEON,

IMPORTANT SPEECHES,

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 citizens 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. Rhodes), the Mayor (Mr C. J. Parr), 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 now'here in the world did the population enjov greater benefits in the way of postal and telegraphic facilities. New Zealand, in fact, in his opinion, possessed the cheapest and best telegraph service in the world. The Hon. Mr Rhodes, in reply, said that he realised the truth of what Mr Milward had said and readily admitted that all the credit there was had to be laid at the feet of his predecessors, and mast of all to Sir Joseph Ward. The Minister paid a tribute to the very fine work done by the department and its staff in New Zealand. In proposing the toast of the Pacific Cable Board, the Postmaster-general said that he had to admit that it was only since taking office that he had taken a stimulated interest in cable matters. A number of other toasts were proposed and duly honoured.