A CABLE DISPUTE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1352, 27 September 1886, Page 3

A CABLE DISPUTE

■ 'WstHKQTOir, September 27. The three Wellington papers are unanlsnons in condemning the action of the Cable Company in increasing the tariff for messages between Australia and New Zealand. The twc evening papers approve ef the Government proposal, but the morning paper does not express any •pinion as to what ought to ba done. Latsr. r A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce waited on Sir J. Vogel to-day. Mr Travers, Chairman, explained they ware anxiond to know what course was likely to be teken with regard to cable rates. Sir J. Vogel entered at length Into the whole question and detailed every step taken on both sides, as already published. He mentioned they had 3 tenders last year for l«ying a new cable, lowest being £170.000. Jle explained the clauses of the contract bearing on the position, »nd though a lawyer m ght possibly v rest elanse 8 In favor of the company be did sot think there could be any doubt about elanse 13, which concerned terminal charge. The C -mpany had been well treated by the colony and if they carried ont the threat we »hould have a right to take advantage of the contract; Government was firm in its intention not to yield. If the rates were raised it woo’d ask authority to lay a new cable, which would be done in a year. Ho, had communicated with N.S. Wales regarding the working of pre*s messages on land lines as low as possible, and he did not think India would view with Indifference the action of the Company. The deputation thanked Sic Julius Vcgal and withdrew: