THE PACIFIC CABLE

Southland Times, Issue 14634, 26 January 1911, Page 5

THE PACIFIC CABLE

ITS ENLARGED SCOPE THE QUESTION OF RATES. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyrilht). SYDNEY, January 25. Received January 25, 10.50 p.m. Mr Milward. manager for the Pacific Cable Board In the Pacific, has returned from a visit to Canada. He says that the Board now controls the line of communication from Australia to Montreal, and has effected an installation which will enable the despatch of cables to be expedited by 25 per centum; in other words, they will be able to deal with 25 per centum more business in a given time. Mr Milward’s visit to Canada was for the purpose of Installing apparatus and taking over for the Board the line previously leased from the Canadian Pacific telegraphs. The Board can now carry messages over 6100 miles, with only one land line; the old system required three handlings. Asked if the innovation was likely to lead to a reduction of rates within a reasonable time. Mr Milward said: “It places us in a better position in regard to reduced cost. The present weekly average over the Pacific line is 42.000 words. This shows marked and continuous increase. It is conceivable that if the Board increases the carrying capacity of the cables to a large extent and the public supply sufficient business the rates may be affected. Referring to the All Red route. Mr Milward declared that it would obviously be an advantage to have a cable right through. The Atlantic cable at the present time was practically controlled by American capitalists.