CABLE CHARGES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1564, 2 October 1886, Page 1

CABLE CHARGES.

In connection . with the proposed increase of cable rates, the following cablegrams have been received from the superintendent of the Company BtjyVikupuaka : —" 30th September. The followiug is a copy of a cable received by the Chairman of the Eastern Extension nTelegraphio Company, from Sir Julius Vogel :—27th. .Reply to yours of 24th—You apparently have not considered consequences of raie* ing tariff. The Government' to provide present accommodation at'-ter-minus, where they are treating you witli''"' great generosity. Clause 33 gives power to charge for use of land lines by terminal rates or otherwise; or we can leave yon to collect your own telegrams and moneys. , We give you now, in every way, great aid, in fact, virtually do the majoi portion of your business for you, saving you large expense. We consider the intention of the contract was that the tariff should not be raised, and advise you to withdraw your proposals." The following cablegram has been sent by the Ohairmxn of the Eastern Extension Australia ond China Telegraphic Company to Sir Julius Vogel:— " London, September 28th— Have received your telegram. Are acting upon highest legal advice, and have a perfect right to raise tariff. You are bound to give usi office accommodation for ten ye-trs from expiration of subsidy. New South Wales was prepared to renew subsidy for ten years,, You obtained the sanction of your Parliament to renew for five years, but declined to carry it into effect. The advantages which you state we enjoy are far from making up the heavy 'oss'we sustain by working the tar ff at present rates.' V There really ought to be no difficulty incoming to a satisfactory arrangement. You complain of not having received legal notice. We have told you throughout our correspondence, extending over 18 months, that unless the subsidy was renewed the tariff iwould. have to be raised. Now, to prevent all misunderstanding, and to satisfy the telegraph communir.y of New Zealand and of the other colonies, the; Company will postpone raising the tariff until Ist January next, if you choose to reconsider the proposals with a'view to an amicable arrangement." - .—-