THE PACIFIC CABLE

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14491, 14 October 1920, Page 5

THE PACIFIC CABLE

QUESTION OF DUPLICATION. BECOMING A NECESSITY. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 13, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, October 12. The Australian Press learns that the matter of the duplication of the Pacific cable rests with the British and Dominion Governments, which have been considering the matter for many months. A high authority in London states that manufacturers are loaded with orders for a stock of cable, which will keep them busy for a long period. It is admitted that owing to the congestion nf business, duplication is most necessary.

QUESTION OF DUPLICATION. WITH ATLANTIC CONNECTION. COMPLETING ALL UED ROUTE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assto.) Heecived October 13, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, October 12. Sir 11. Babinglon Smith, chairman of the Pacillc Cable Board, recently stated in a conildential report oil the Board, with reference to the duplication of the cable that he recommended an additional cable to Auckland, Suva, Samoa and Fanning Island, avoiding Norfolk Island, estimated to cost £94,000. He did not recommend duplication between Fanning Island, and Bamfleld, partly because the cost would be £l,-iOiLooo, which was prohibitive, and because of a possible alternative connection with r-'an Francisco, .Ma Honolulu, at an estimated cost of only £259,000.

It is understood that Mr Fisher and Mr Cophlan opposed. The latter insisted on the maintenance of the all British character of the service. The Board's accumulated reserves exceed £1,200,000, therefore it will not require financial assistance to duplicate the cable, bul in view of life fact that the cosl of construction lias trebled during the war, it lias been decided to postpone action pending a decline in prices. Some members of the Board uurilficially favour Ilii> acipdsition of one of the Atlantic cables to eoniplele, an all led nude in conjunction with a i amadian owned land line.