Closely Watched.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 79, 24 March 1914, Page 5

Closely Watched.

PACIFIC CABLE BOARD.

REDUCTION CHARGES.

|[P&r Presb Association.]

Wellington, March 24

The efforts that are being made to secure a reversal by the Pacific Cable Board of its recent reduction in cable charges between the United Kingdom and Great Britain from 3s to 2s a word are being closely watched by the New Zealand authorities. It is felt that the Dominion is entitled to a reduction on account of the lower terminal charges as compared with Australia. Mr Rhodes (Postmaster-General) stated that he had cabled to the High Commissioner urging him to do his best to prevent the motion approving of the reduction being rescinded. Mr Rhodes added that the New

Zealand Government had frequently urged the Board to make reductions, and he considers that instead of the late reduction beiug repealed there should be a further reduction.

From their report, it appears that the members of the Dominion Trade Commission evidently took the same view, and looked upon the Pacific Cable Board as being too conservative. "Of course, there is no competition," said Mr Rhodes, '.'but I feel certain that if the cable were in private hands much more commercial enterprise would be shown in its management. At present, the cable stands unused during a considerable part of the day and is not nearly fully utilised."