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1 most fully realize that the present policy, to which we have been driven, against our will, by the submarine campaign, entails very considerable financial embarrassment to the New Zealand exporters, but, as you know, I shall be most glad to do my best to obtain a money grant in advance to meet that embarrassment, so far as this may be practicable. I am glad to hear from the Shipping Controller that, apart from emergencies, there is no immediate prospect of any further diversions from the trade between this country and Australasia, and that it is in contemplation next mouth to despatch three steamers in ballast from this side. This is to the good so far, but, I fear that it, is impossible to hold out hopes that any really decisive relief in the near future can be given. You can, however, rest assured that anything which can bo done in this direction shall be done, consistently with what the successful prosecution of the war demands—more it is impossible to say, and I. know that you would not wish me to say. Very sincerely yours, Walter H. Long. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, to Sir Joseph Maolay, Controller of Shipping, London. Dear Sir Joseph,— Savoy Hotel, London, 27th April, 1917. 1 have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, from which I note that you say you " are trying to arrange for the despatch of three steamers in ballast to Australia, next month, and that at present there are do further diversions in contemplation." 1 venture to inquire whether the use of the word "Australia" may not be a clerical error. Sending the three steamers to Australia, would be very poor consolation under the existing circumstances to New Zealand. If these steamers are really intended for Australia they can only be intended to carry wheat, as I am informed that the supply of Australia, meat is exhausted. Will you kindly inform me whether all or any of the three steamers referred to in your letter are to be sent to New Zealand for the purpose of lifting a portion of the already very iarge quantities that are daily accumulating in store in the Dominion, and also for bringing away a portion of the Dominion's dairy-produce to England where these foodstuffs are so urgently required? Yours sincerely, W. F. Massey. Sir Joseph Maclay, Controller of Shipping, St. James's Park, S.W. Sir Joseph Mackay, Controller of Shipping, Loudon, to the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Dear Mr. Massey,— Ministry of Shipping, St. James's Park, S.W., 30th April, 1917. I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th instant. The three ships in question will, as stated, be despatched to Australia to take on board there, in their uninsulated spaces, "priority" cargo. They will thence proceed to New Zealand to till the balance of these spaces with " priority " cargo, and their entire insulated spaces with refrigerated cargo. This, I am told by those responsible for maintaining (he supply, is the present programme, subject to any necessary modification. I am glad to hear the coal strike has been settled ; this threatened to prove a fatal obstacle to maintaining the supply of tonnage to New Zealand. Yours sincerely, J. P. Maclay. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey-, Prime Minister's Office, Savoy Hotel, London. The Bight Hon. W T . F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, to Sir Joseph Maclay, Controller of Shipping, London. Dear Sir Joseph,— Savoy Hotel, London, 2nd May, 1917. With reference to our interview on Monday, I now have pleasure in enclosing you herewith copy of the telegram which I have received from the Acting Prime Minister at Wellington, dated the 28th ultimo, and which you will recollect I read to you. You will see that complaint is made by the New Zealand Government that first priority cargo awaiting shipment in New Zealand is passed over in favour of Australian cargo. I shall be glad if the Ministry of Shipping will be so good as to meet the wishes of the New Zealand Government in the matter. Yours sincerely, W. F. Massey. Sir Joseph Maclay, Controller of Shipping, St. James's Park, S.W. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, to Sir Joseph Maclay. Controller of Shipping, London. Dear Sir Joseph,— Savoy Hotel, London, 9th May, 1917. I enclose herewith further telegram which I have just, received from the Acting Prime Minister at Wellington, showing the position regarding meat, cheese, and butter in store in the Dominion at the present time. I think the figures contained in the telegram will show clearly the seriousness of the position in New Zealand, and the urgent necessity that exists for providing further tonnage. I bring this information under your notice with the earnest hope that the Ministry of Shipping will do their utmost to provide some measure of relief. I am, &c, W. F. Massey. Sir Joseph Maclay, Controller of Shipping, St. James's Park, S.W.

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