CABLE DELAYS

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14088, 18 June 1919, Page 5

CABLE DELAYS

SERIOUS COMMERCIAL LOSS. DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS. By Telegraph—Press Association.. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A deputation from the Associated Chamber of Commerce waited upon the Hon. W. D. S. MneDonald, Acting-Postmaster-Genernl, to-day, relative to delay in the transmission of commercial cahles. It was pointed out that the export and import trade was seriously hampered by these delays, as business could not he* done without prompt communication owing to fluctuations in markets. It was suggested that the use of commercial codes might be permitted and the Imperial Government asked to accept messages at treble urgent rates. The Minister, replying, said the delay was due to interruptions of the cable, which, under normal conditions, carried traffic between Great Britain, India, and the East Pacific. This cable had to carry the whole traffic to New Zealand. Government ajid Press business was reduced, and Press messages were subject to long delay. The Government was in constant communication with trie Cable Board and the

Imperial Government. Delays were due to circumstances over which the New Zealand Government had no control. He promised the deputation that representations would be continued.