NEW CABLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1920, Page 5

NEW CABLE.

SECOND ACROSS PACIFIC. TO GO TO AUCKLAND. By Telecaph.—•Pieu Aim.—Copyright. Received Oct. 13, 9.50 p.m. London, Oct. 12. Sir Babbington Smith, chairman of the Pacific Cable Board, recently stated- hi a confidential report to the board, with reference to the duplication of the cable, that he recommended an additional cable to Auckland, 3\ira, Samoa, and Fanning Island, avoiding Norfolk Island) estimated to cost £940,000.

He did • not recommend a duplication between Fanning Island and Bamfield, partly because the cost would be £1,400,000, which was prohibitive, and partly because of a possible alternative connection with San Francisco, via Honolulu, at an estimated cost of £259,000.

It is understood that Mr. Fisher and Mr. Coghlan opposed the latter, and insisted on the maintenance of the allBritish character of the service. The board's accumulated reserves exceed £1,800,000; -therefore it Will not require financial assistance to duplicate th« cable, but in view of the fact that the coat of construction has trebled during the war, it has been decided to postpone action pending a decline in prices.

Some members of the board unofficially favor the acquisition of one of the 'Atlantic cables to complete the All-Red Route, in conjunction with the Canadianowned land line,—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Atsn.

AN ALL-RED ROUTE. OFFER FOR ATLANTIC CABLE. Received Oct. 13, 9.20 p.m. New York, Oct. 12. ' Tht London correspondent of the New York Timea states that the British Government has offered to purchase the Ireland-Newfoundland submarine cable belonging to the United /tates Cable Company, Whieh is American-controlled. It is stated that the price is £750,000. — AUj. and N.Z. Oable Assn.