History to opening.
- Home, index, site details
- Australia 1901-1988
- New South Wales
- Overview of NSW
- Telegraph lines
- Telegraph Offices
- Date stamps
- Forms
- Envelopes
- Rates
- Stamps
- Queensland
- Overview of Qld
- Telegraph lines
- Telegraph offices
- Date stamps
- Forms
- Envelopes
- Rates
- Stamps
- South Australia
- Overview of SA
- Telegraph lines
- Telegraph Offices
- Date stamps
- Forms
- Envelopes
- Rates
- Stamps
- Tasmania
- Overview of Tasmania
- General developments
- Reports
- Organisation
- Telegraph lines
- Telegraph Offices
- Date stamps
- Railway lines
- Forms
- Envelopes
- Rates
- Stamps
- Overview of Tasmania
- Victoria
- Overview of Vic.
- Telegraph lines
- Telegraph offices
- Date stamps
- Forms
- Envelopes
- Rates
- Stamps
- Ephemera
- Western Australia
- Overview of WA
- Telegraph lines
- Telegraph Offices
- Date stamps
- Forms
- Envelopes
- Rates
- Stamps
The development of telegraphic services in all countries had to address the vexed question of Government ownership versus private ownership. In the case of the telegraph, where boundaries of commerce, international entreupreneurship and information were operating as never before, this question developed new dimensions.
One of the most critical aspects was the role of the Eastern group of companies under the control of John Pender. As an excellent businessman, Pender wanted to control as much of the world's telgraph systems as possible. Many Governments opposed his ambitions with the view that, if Postal services were the domain of Governments, then so should be the Telegraphic Service.
The following 1881 cartoon and article provides an American view on the issue.
Death to Monopoly! |
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