MARCONI CONTRACT

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 1736, 22 January 1913, Page 5

MARCONI CONTRACT

CABLE NEWS 1

( (United Tress 4sscci- L ion—By Hlec- ! trie Telegraph—' , [night.)

COMPANY ASKS TO BE RELEASED. (Received January 21. S a.m.) LONDON, January '2O. The Marconi Company lias written to the Government requesting to be released from its contract with tlx* General Post Office owing to the expense incurred by th<> indefinite delay of ratification which was proving a serious detriment to the company; and owing to erroneous .statements, professedly based on evidence Riven before the committee, being reproduced in the newspaper without an opportunity being given of refutation. The company offers, when tlie investigation is conclude*!, t° construct (stations in such, terms as may be agreed upon.

INVESTIGATION TO BE , CONTINUED'. COMPANY BEING SHOT AT. (Received this Morning 12.15 o'clock.) LONDON, January 21. Tho Marconi Committee will continue its investigations. Mr Godfrey Isaacs, interviewed, stated that Mr Marconi repeatedlyasked to bo allowed to give evidence, but was not allowed. The company would not stand being shot at in this fashion. Since the contract had been made, the prices of materials had increased fifteen per centum;. After the request was withdrawn Marconi shares fell heavily. The Daily News approves the cancelling of the contract by the State Defence Committee, which gave nn impulse in favour of an immediate Imperial system. Tims the Post Office would be gravely hampered;. The strategic arguments which convinced the Defence Committee were not impressive to laymen. • If the contract was cancelled,* it could be reviewed as to whether there was any real need for the projected stations.