Abstract: A cable reel assembly including a mounting frame (19), a cable drum (22) rotatably supported the mounting frame (19) and a drive motor (23) which drives rotation of the cable drum (22). Invention is characterized by the provision of a reeving carriage (35) for controlling movement of cable (29) wound onto the cable drum (22) when the cable is being paid out or hauled onto the cable drum (22) when said cable is being retrieved. There is also provided a horizontally orientated support rail (85A) wherein the reeving carriage (35) is adapted for reciprocatory movement relative to the support rail (85A). There is also provided a vertically orientated endless reeving member in the form of a chain (34) to cause the reciprocatory movement of the reeving carriage (35).