PACIFIC CABLE CONFERENCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11635, 12 August 1905, Page 5

PACIFIC CABLE CONFERENCE.

Press Association.— Telegraph.— Copyright.

Received August 12, 12.8 a.m.

LONDON, August 11. The Pacific Cable Conference report has been signed by the Hon. Alfred Lyttelton, Lord Jersey, and Messrs Mulock and Fleming. Besides what- has been cabled, it declares that the members, remembering that the cable was initiated largely to promote Imperial unity,, endeavoured to remove all sources of friction between the partners and sought to adjust the difficulties in a spirit of reasonable compromise, and earnestly trust that tho Commonwealth' agreement of 1903 will not bo ratified unless Clause 25 is amended to read that tho agreement remains in force until October 31, 1913, and no longer. Thus the partners would then' be restored to the position of a precedent to the New South Wales agreement The Board should be allowed discretion to negotiate an amicable arrangement with the Eastern Extension Company subject to the approval of the Governments and the adoption of the amendment mentioned-

Received August 12, 12.40 a.m,

LONDON, August 11

The Pacific Cable report concludes: — "With a view to the maintenance of cordial and friendly relations, any fturo question concerning terminal rates, Customs duties, or proposed concessions or privileges to any cable or telegraph company on other matters affecting the interests of the cable, should be referred to the Boards of Governments concerned for consideration before final action is taken." The majority of the signatories express tho hope that the Commonwealth will reduce the terminal rate.