ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2543, 2 July 1909, Page 5

ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION

CABLE INEWS.

THE QUESTION OF CABLES. DEPUTATION TO MR. ASQUITH. / United Press Association —Copyright ((Received July 1, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, July 1. Mt. Asquith, with Mr/Sydney Buxton (Postmaster-General), and Colonel Seely (Under-Secretary for the Colonies), received a Press ‘ Conference delegates’ deputation, headed by Mr. A. ELawson (Madras), who ascribed the Pacific. Board concession largely to •'Mr. Moberly Bell’s influence. Mr. Ross '(Canada) urged that there ought to be State intervention, owing to the -combination ofl the cable companies, which, -he believed, were unjustly maintaining the Tates. The delegates 'did mot wish the Government to run any State line at a loss, hut on a commercial basis. Then tho companies would he compelled to meet the competition. Mr. Fairfax (Sydney) suggested ,prcferential cheaper rates for British Par- : liamentary r news and Ministerial statements. • / ’ . Mr. Fenwick (Dunedin) emphasised New Zealand’s desire to assist Canada in obtaining an Imperial'all-round-the-world' cable. ; Mr. Asquith, in reply, said thata cheaper communication was important in the interests of the mercantile marine, and, perhaps, even more in the diffusion of accurate intelligence. The Imperial Government were entirely sympathetic with tho general objects of the deputation, especially in the reduction of tho rates for press messages, ; He added that as regards the -cable companies, the Government’s means of action were very limited, hut its influence would he used, as far as possible, in the matter of reduction of rates. In reference to the alleged combination, they must recognise that'the companies had provided a world-wide system 1 of enormous value to the Empire, and had reduced -rates in recent years. The most powerful argument the representatives of the press could use for the purpose of influencing the companies was an assurance of largely increased traffic. He hoped the Government and the standing committee of the. conference would he able to accelerate development. One of the- first requisites of such an Empire as ours was aicheap certain, constant, convenient, and universally accessible system of electi ic communication. (Cheers.) Mr. Kyffin Thomas (Adelaide), -on behalf of the deputation, thanked the Premier for receiving them in such a kindly and courteous way, -and for his sympathetic speech.