THE PACIFIC CABLE.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 457, 6 July 1899, Page 2

THE PACIFIC CABLE.

PEESS OPINIONS.

[united press association].

(by electric telegraph.—copyright). Sydney, July 4. Mr Reid, the Premier, interviewed with regard to the Pacific cable, said he did not think the companies' deputation had adduced any reasons to induce the colonies to alter their views. The companies were entitled to their opinions on the matter, but he did not thintt it would be necessary to alter the instructions already given to the Agent-General in any way. The New South Wales Government was taking no further action in the matter. Both the morning newspapers refer to the subject in their leading columns. The Herald says it is not of very great moment how Australia gets a second cable, provided it is really an alternative. There is certainly an Imperial sentiment at stake, but on the Home Government rests the responsibility of dealing with that.

The Daily Telegraph strongly objects to the Cable Company's scheme, because it touches at Honolulu, and is not "all British," while the Colonial Governments would be saddling themselves with the responsibility. Seeing that the new company pays interest on about £15,000,000 worth of stock, the Eastern Company would have no guarantees aud no bond would be broken even if they had. The cable was a palpable necessity, and it would have to be Stateowned, in accordance with Canadian and Austrilian precedent.