PACIFIC AND EASTERN CABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 178, 30 July 1903, Page 3

PACIFIC AND EASTERN CABLES.

MR OHAMBERLAIM'o DEBI'AXOH,

PES TRESS ASSOCIATION, Received 29, 11.14 p.m. Melbourne, July 29. The despatch of Mr Chamberlain' referring to the suggested conference of representatives of Governments interested in the Pacific cable to consider the proposed agreement between the Commonwealth and the Eastern Extension Compmy has been laid on the table of the House of Representatives. Mr Chrmberlairi expressed regret at the receipt of a telegram expressing the inability of the Commonwealth to agree to the suggestion, and adds; "The situation appears to me to print conclusively to the necessity for a closer definition of the basis of partnership in the Pacific cible, and a clearer as to the mutual obligations of the partners, No more convenient way for attaining this suggests itself than the appointment of a conference aa-horiesd to deal finally with the various matters in dispute. Britain joined the combination chiefly with tha desire to meet the wishes of Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and would not of her own initiative have proposed that course. The cew precedent created in this case is of the graatfst importance. The experiment should he a success every way, and should contribute to the union of the Empire, and not be a source of division or irritation." Unless some tribunal was arranged to settle the : difference he fears there will be no hope in the future that such a co-operation will be again accepted by the different parts of the Empire.

! AGREEMENT RATIFIED, I Received 30. 0.50 a.m. Melbourne, July 29. | Mr Kirwan moved that the cable agreement be not ratified till the conference suggested by Mi' Chamberlain is held, but the motion was negatived on the voices. Bir E. Barton declared he made the agreement for ten years actuated by the truest motives and in the interests of all concerned.

The ratification was to,