The Rival Cables.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume II, Issue 103, 1 February 1900, Page 1

The Rival Cables.

Sydney, Jan. 29. The majority of the Premiers thought that no apprehension need be felt of any unreasonable delay in. ohe construction of the Pacific cable, Meanwhile the immediate advantage of the Cape route could not be overestimated. It is probable that the Eastern Extension Company will accept the modification suggested by the Conference with reference to dealing direct with the public. Another point which will be the point of further negotiation is the request of the company to admit its material and supplies duty free. The Premiers have no objection to admit the material for the first construction of lines free, but are opposed to any agreement beyond that.

Melboukne, Jan. 29. The " Argus " says that fiom every standpoint the Paciiic cable is far and away inferior to the Capo as an all-British line. It is at th mercy of America, which could strike it by land and sea. However regrettable is the prospect of a rupi ture wifch America, that event is on the cards. The Cape line follows a route under British guns everywhere. It can be guarded at leasfe cost and with the utmost certainty. Then, again, it puts us in touch with' South Africa, one of the growing markets of the world, where Australia may hope to make money, Canada, on the other hand, is not a consumer of our goods, and is pittied against us in the British markets, yet we refuss communication to our customer, though the cosb is nothing, and are prepared to spend millions upon a second-rate line to merely link us with a rival, The absurdity could ssarcely go further.

Wellington, Jan. 29. The Premier cabled last week to the Secretary of State for the colonies, inquiring if it wer.e true as reported that he had recommendel thai the Gape- Australia cable route should be accepted by the Colonial Governments. In reply Mr Seddcn has received the following message from Mr Chamberlain, through the Governor :—": — " I have not made tha recommendation referred to, as 7. con&ider the matter chiefly concerns the colonies interested in the Pacific cable, and I am now awaiting the decision of the Premiers on the, subject." The Queensland Government hag informed Mr Seddon that it will ba no party to the proposal, but the other Governments have not yell answered.