STATE CABLES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10924, 13 November 1913, Page 6

STATE CABLES.

TIME NOT RIPE. WIRELESS IS RATE-CUTTING, AND BREAKDOWNS ARE POSSIBLE. By Telegraph— l'rers Association—Copyright. 'Received November 13, 10.35 a.m.) LONDON, November 12. At a mooting of the Dominions' Commission, Mr I'klward Cra.bb, 0.8., Second Secretary to the Post Office, gave evidence. He declared that n State cable was not jnstilied at the pro-sent time. Tt would mean a deficit of £20,000 yearly at existing rates. ' , The Post Office desired to consult tlte dominions in every way, but the rate-cutting by wireless and the possibilities of serious costly breakdowns must be considered. . Mr Crabb said that lie was aware that experiments were in progress to keep wireless messages secret. Sir Rider Haggard suggested the speeding-up of South African steamships by a knot an hour, and the enabling of Australian mails to, call at C'ape Town a« the only port of call. Mr Crabb admitted that the proposals were worth considering, but the speeding-up would be costly, and much business was picked up via Suez.