The Globe. TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1875.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 285, 11 May 1875, Page 2

The Globe. TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1875.

The statement that Mr Vogel had nearly completed arrangements for the laying of a submarine cable between Australia and New Zealand, is one of the most important items that was published in the English mail news yesterday. Twenty years ago, even the most sanguine would have scarcely ventured to predict that daily communication between Australia and England was possible, but now that the feat has been accomplished, the colonists of New Zealand can see no reason why they should not be brought within the range of telegraphic communication, and in fact many grumble that the important work of laying a cable has not been commenced ere now. Tbe joining together of Australia and New Zealand cannot present such great difficulties as have been overcome before this by English engineers and electricians, while the question of the work paying a dividend in the capital invested in it, is not a matter of doubt, but of certainty. It is a curious thing to reflect that when this cable is laid, as it most certainly will be, we shall be in a much closer connection with England, than many of her colonies, far older in point of years than New Zealand, and situated far nearer the shores of the old country. Eor instance, we believe we are correct in stating, that there is no telegraphic communication between England and the Cape of Q-ood Hope. It speaks volumes for the prosperity and go-aheadism of New Zealand that the idea of laying the required cable, should appear only a right and proper thing to do, and that not a single journal throughout the colony should have raised any protest against the necessary expenditure which this most important work must entail. The preliminary soundings, between the coasts of Australia and New Zealand, made by H.M.S. Challenger on her cruise in these waters, have furnished some of the data required, but of course there will inevitably have to be a more elaborate system gone through, before the points between which the cable is to stretch can be finally determined on. But all matters of detail may very safely be left in the hands of the G-overnment and the Eastern Extension Company, with whom, we presume, the final arrangements will be made. Enough has been proved, by the soundings we are already acquainted with, to show that the work will be one which will present many difficulties, and which will be full of danger to the cable to be laid. Science, however, and practical experience, will be brought to bear to overcome these dangers and difficulties, and even if the first attempts are unsuccessful, it is not to be supposed that the enterprise once commenced, it will be abandoned. When the cable is fairly working, we shall be in the world, instead of, as at present, some six days journey from it, and in a year or two the readers of the motning journals will look for their English telegraphic news, on opening their paper, just as naturally as they now glance at the news from Auckland or Dunedin.