CABLE AND WIRELESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1928, Page 4

CABLE AND WIRELESS.

THE CONFERENCE. f Australian <fc N.Z. CabU Association.) LONDON, Jan. 10. “1 lie Times,” in a leader on the cables and wireless, says: “The conference will certainly he expected to consider how best to secure the cheapest and most efficient service, enabling full freedom to exploit further inventions. Beam, despite ( its rapid progress. is still in the youthful stage. There are also strategic considerations, and the incalculable benefits which cheap, swift and sure transmission confers on Ihe community, depending knits livelihood on Imperial and foreign trade. Beam has made inroads in flic rallies profits, and driven some directors to abandon their assumed indifference. The new invention seems to give a definite prospect of their services besoming complimentary, (and not competitive. Their relative values will inevitably he modified, and cables may become mi auxiliary to wireless. At present, cables are probably generally quicker and surer, and their use!illness is not ended, owing to their secrecy and greater immunity from j interference. The British Government ! must retain <ontrol of the cables in J view of possible emergencies. Never- j theloss, wireless is overhauling cables, , owing to the cheapness and possihili- j ty of the fascimile transmission, en-

ailing n London newspaper to lie read "ithin an hour or two in Australia, and also assisting growth of the telegraph habit. Hate cutting might he advantageous to tho public, but progressive collaboration will probably serve their interests best. Any public misgivings regarding amalgamation arises front fear of a monopoly artificially maintaining its rates. Government control will check enterprise and hamper invention. Telegraphic communications, like i! water supply, should only cost tho public sufficient to ensure a moderate return for the invested capital. The position demands temporary standardisation. Such might compromise the future. To-day, radio and telegraphy promises a service yet swifter, surer and more

universal, of which the public will not easily consent to ho cheated.”