41

F.— 8

world, and that in cases where two cables are not laid side by side at the same time duplication immediately follows. Mr. Preece could not recall an instance of any company relying on a single cable. The impression conveyed was that provision is made for laying both cables from the start, or directly on the completion of one cable the work of laying the second invariably is proceeded with. I take the liberty of mentioning that this course is not universally followed. The Eastern Extension Company's cable from Madras to Penang was single for twenty-one years. The first cable was laid in 1870 ; it was duplicated in 1891. The cable of the same company from Penang to Singapore was laid in 1870 ; it was duplicated in 1892, twentytwo years afterwards. The same company laid a single cable from Australia to Tasmania in 1869, and duplicated it in 1887, after a lapse of eighteen years. The same company laid a single cable from Australia to New Zealand in 1876. The second cable was not laid until 1885. [? 1890 : see No. 3.] The Cape of Good Hope had telegraphic communication established by a single cable in 1879. Duplication was not effected until ten years afterwards. A single cable was laid from Portugal to Brazil in 1874, and it was not duplicated until 1884. There are many other instances. I have, however, mentioned a sufficient number to make plain that there is no such rule invariably followed as that alleged. The duplication of a cable is a matter which is entirely governed by circumstances; generally it is proceeded with when additional facilities are required by the traffic, or warranted by the prospect of a rapid development of business. I am perfectly satisfied that eventually many cables will be required across the Pacific, but to my mind there is no necessity for establishing more than one at present. The Imperial Committee decided to recommend the establishment of one cable, leaving its duplication to be followed at some future time " when the success of the undertaking warranted a fresh outlay of capital." That was the wise decision reached by the Committee presided over by Lord Selborne, and of which Lord Strathcona and the Hon. A. G. Jones, Lieut.-Governor of Nova Scotia, were members. My own frequently expressed views in harmony therewith are that one cable will be sufficient until a second is really demanded by increased telegraph traffic, and that meanwhile a substitute for duplication of both Atlantic and Pacific cables may be obtained in quite another far more useful and far more effective way —that is to say, by taking steps to extend State control over deep-sea cables from Western Australia vid the Cape to England. By so doing both Atlantic and Pacific cables will form portions of the "round-the-world system," when every point touched will be doubly connected with every other point. It will be at once recognised that this arrangement would obviate any necessity for incurring a double capital expenditure on cables to lie idle at the bottom of the ocean, waiting for an interruption which may not happen. The same expenditure would go a long way towards completing the globe-girdling telegraph system which would admit of messages being transmitted either westerly or easterly, and should any emergency arise to prevent them crossing the Atlantic they could still, under ordinary circumstances, be sent in the opposite direction. Obviously, instead of sinking money.on two cables laid side by side, one of which for the present would be little used, the wiser policy would be to inaugurate the Pan-Britannic telegraph service so as to cheapen communications and provide the freest means of intercourse for the several groups of British people in the four quarters of the globe. Assuredly one of the first results of such a service would be to reduce greatly the cost of telegraphy all over the world ; while its undoubted tendency would be to vitalise the broadest patriotism and realise the dream of the United Empire loyalists, and all imbued with the true Canadian spirit.

No. 52. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 13th March, 1902. I have the honour to forward herewith, for the information of your Board, copy of Proclamation [not printed] extracted from the Neiv Zealand Gazette No. 12, of the 13th ultimo, permanently reserving land in the Mangonui district to the Crown as a site for the New Zealand Pacific cable station. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, 24, Queen Anne's Gate, London, S.W.

No. 53. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 15th March, 1902. Pacific cable : Not advisable we undertake erection or obtain tenders Fanning Island buildings. Postmaster-General discussed matters generally with Beynolds yesterday. Terminal rate fixed one penny per word all messages. Advise Chairman.

No. 54. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Pacific Cable Board, Wellington. Sir — General Post Office, Wellington, 15th March, 1902. I have the honour to forward, for your information, copy of cable message which is being sent to the Agent-General [No. 53]. You will no doubt desire to advise the Chairman of the Board of the decision of the Government in respect to the Fanning Island buildings and the terminal rate. I have, &c, C. H. Beynolds, Esq., General Manager, W. Gray, Secretary. Pacific Cable Board, Boyal Oak Hotel, Wellington. 6— F. 8.