AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1928, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

JUDGE’S ATTITUDE

CANBERRA, Allay 17

Sir Adrian Knox (Chief ol the High Court Bench! informed Air Bruce that lie declines the Royal Coinniissionersliip into allegations of bribery by Mr Lambert, A1.1’., crib led on Ac 7th, as lie thinks it inadvisable that a member of the Commonwealth judiciary should undertake an investigation of this nature.

CABLE MERGER. . SYDNEY. May 18. Information is now available in regard to the merger negotiations proceeding between Eastern Associated Telegraph Companies, Marconi Coy. and Pacific Cable Board for united control of cable and wireless communications. The dominating interest will he held by Eastern Associated Companies. There will he a new “holding’’ company which will have a capital ol about £55,000,000.

It is also reported there will he a merger between ALa okay and "Western Union interests of United States by the formation of an international communications Company, which will have a capital of lilTy-fivc. millions. The formation of these powerful holding companies is being brought about by eompetiton in beam wireless stations and a working arrangement which is being formed between. Eastern Associated Companies and United States companies and will prevent any real eompetiton in future.

Briefly, it means the formation of two huge organisations administered under a friendly co-operation with a combined capital of £110,000,000 to control the international communications of the world.