THE WORLD’S CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2344, 10 November 1908, Page 5

THE WORLD’S CABLES.

HENNIKER HEATON’S PROPOSALS.

A SUGGESTED CONFERENCE

United Press Association. Copyright (Received Nov. 10, 12.45 a.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 9

Mr. Henniker Heaton, in a letter to the “Times,” forwards messages received from Mr. Gliamberlain, Sir Joseph Ward, several .bord Mayors, many members of Parliament, bankers and shipowners in favor of universal penny-a-word telegrams. He proposes that the Governments of the civilised world should buy at market prices the cables, now in the hands of monopolists. He remarks that the British and colonial Governments now pay yearly a quarter of a million for official messages, a sum which would go far towards paying the interest on the cost of purchasing the cables. He emphasises the vital importance of time-saving by telegraph compared with postal communication. He considers the first step would be to call a conference of European postmasters to establish a penny rate. THE “TIMES” OPINION.” SUPPORTS HENNIKER HEATON. United Press Association. Copyright (Received Nov. 9, 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 9. The “Times” says that Henniker Heaton’s proposals on. the Imperial side are assured beforehand of the approval of all the British dominions. The proposed reduction in rates or the buying of the cables ought to be submitted early to a special Imperial Conference. Government had rejected commercial preference on the ground that improvement in Imperial communications would be a better and safer way to the union which the colonies, in common with us, desire. Unquestionably the lack of mutual knowledge is at the root of most of our Imperial! difficulties. The Government now have an opportunity of proving the sincerity of their professions, and can count on national support irrespective of party if they decide not to allow the opportunity to pass.