MAILS AND CABLES.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1906, 14 November 1913, Page 7

MAILS AND CABLES.

DISCUSSED AT DOMINIONS' COMMISSION. By Teleeraph—Pros Association—OopyrieM London, November 12. At a meeting of the Dominions' Commission, Mr. Edward Crabb, Second Secretary to the General Post Office, gave evidence that a Stato cablo would not be justifiable at the present time; it would mean a deficit of £20,000 yearly at the existing rates. The Post Office .desired to consult the Dominions' interests in every way, but rate-cutting by the wireless companies and the possibilities a.nd serious costly breakdowns must bo considered. , .

Mr. Crabb said he was aware that experiments were in progress to keep wireless messages Becret. Sir Rider Haggard suggested the speeding up of the South African steamships by a knot an hour, enabling the Australian mail boats to call at Capo Town as the only port of call. . Mr. Crabb admitted that the idea was worth considering, but said speeding up would be costly, and much business could be picked up via Suez. (Rcc. November 14, 0.15 a.m.) London, November 13. "Giving evidence before the Dominions Commission, Sir Henry Primrose, Chairman, of the Pacific Cablo Board, stated that no further reductions in the Australian rates could be made without financial loss. Experience' has proved that increased traffic did not always provide compensation for lowered.rates. A' State-o\vncd Atlantic cable, he considered, would not pay.