CABLE DUPLICATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6706, 20 November 1889, Page 3

CABLE DUPLICATION.

[Pxb Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON, Nov. 20. Up to the present time Government have received no reply from the New South Wales Government to the communication addressed to them on the subject of the duplication of cable between this Colony and New South Wales, but are daily expecting an answer. The New Zealand Government will take no steps in regard to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company's offer to lay a second cable until they are in receipt of a reply from New South Wales. It has transpired, however, that the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company insiat upon a virtual guarantee of a monopoly; but neither of the Governments is likely to agree to this. In the face of the Company's demand, it is not considered probable that an agreement can be come to between it and the Governments. A proposal has been made to New South Wales by the New Zealand Government that the two Colonies &hould combine to lay a new cable on their own account ; and Dr Lemon has suggested that the line should be from Ahipara Bay, fifty miles South of Cape Maria Van Diemen, to Brisbane. The cost of thia route, which would be fully 300 miles shorter than any other, is estimated at £200,000. The route offers Bpecial facilities for laying a cable, as the bottom is good, and there ia very little liability of obstruction.