THE POSTAL SERVICES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 19 October 1901, Page 3

THE POSTAL SERVICES.

The Pacific Cable.

((’Ell press association.)

Wellington, This Day.

Last evening in the House cf Representatives Mr A L. Fraser asked the Postmaster-General whether his attcn tion had been called to a press cable from Melbourne giving extracts from an article in the Melbourne Age on the attitude of New Zealand in regard to Aus-tra'ian-New Zealand section of the Pacific Cable. >

In reply Mr Ward stated that the article referred to was generally incorrect. He pointed out — (1) That Queensland telegraphs were now Commonwealth telegraphs and were not controlled by the Queensland Government.

(2) There was no necessity for New Zealand to have another cable from Sydney to Auckland. The Pacific Cable sections New Zeaknd-Norfolk Island, and Norfolk Island-Queensland gave an alternate route, and a more efficient cable circuit between New Zealand and Australia, even than the one from New Zealand to Sydney the length of cable sections being shorter and doing more work. (3j New Zealand Government would have no control over the Pacific Cable, except through its representative on the Board.

(4) Generally it was absurb to suggest that the cable business from any part of Australia for the Pacific Cable should ever pass over a cable to New Zealand. Even if there were half a dozen cables available such a route would only be taken in event of the Queensland-Norfolk Island one being interrupted or over loaded. (5) The paragraph about New Zealand at her own expense providing the staff for the Pacific Cable and the landing place in New Zealand is equally absurd and incorrect.

Mr Hutchison asked Mr Ward when he expected the Pacific Cable would be in working order.

Mr Ward said he hoped within twelve months from date.