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H.—3Ba

From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 17th February, 1915. In reply to your telegram of 16th February : Following is position of steamers prevailing : "Cornwall," "Morayshire" —sold; "Kent" —seriously damaged, cannot get seagoing certificate; " Perthshire "—Government transport; "Suffolk," " Waipara " —Australian transports; "Surrey" —loading to and from Australia; "Star New Zealand"—meat-carrying from River Plate to Havre (was given in my telegram of 12th February " Star England "). Advised to-day " Rimutaka " on fire and proceeding Dakar; will not be available during this season's loading. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 25th February, 1915. Am Ito continue to endeavour to secure ships? " Paparoa " was commandeered for storeship, but has been released in consequence of representations; replaced by two interned German ships. Exceedingly pleased Commonwealth of Australia do not intend commandeering six vessels. Similar assurance in respect following outward-bound vessels leaving for New Zealand via Australia will relieve situation : " Ruapehu," " Hawke's Bay," " Star Scotland," " Star Australia," " Indrabarah," " Tongariro," "Whakatane," " Makarini." Would be glad to learn whether British Government or New Zealand will have to find ships conveyance of meat purchased by British Government. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 26th February, 1915. With reference to your telegram of 25th instant : Meat purchased on behalf of Imperial Government will be shipped on steamers available here, but am depending upon Imperial Government assisting. Large amount of meat at present in store which could be got away if insulated vessels could be provided. Please make representations to companies and Imperial Government. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 2nd March, 1915. Regarding shipping : British Government have chartered all refrigerated space not otherwise committed at a tonnage rate. Question of freight, therefore, is taken over by Government. It is expected economy in the use of refrigerated shipping will result. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 3rd March 1915. With reference to your telegram 2nd March, private and confidential, regarding shipping : Please elaborate and state whether demand applies to contracts as between freezing companies in New Zealand and shipping companies doing business in New Zealand. Secondly: Can publicity be given to information ? Desirable if possible. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 15th March 1915. With reference to your telegram of 13th March: After personal inquiries ascertained confidentially information cabled to you private and confidential, 2nd March. No official information has been received by me on the subject. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to- High Commissioner for New Zealand. 16th March 1915. I have requested Governor to communicate with the Secretary of State for the Colonies impressing urgency of supply of additional insulated steamers for the transport of frozen meat purchased on behalf of the Imperial Government. Secondly: Freezing-works here are much congested, and owing to preference given to meat for Imperial Government there is danger of shortage of space for dairy-produce. Thirdly : Please confer with Board of Trade and shipping companies and advise. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon; the Prime Minister Kith March 1915. Your telegram 16th March, insulated tonnage: Making representations Board of Trade to-day, and will make representations shipping companies. Arrangements being made by Board of Trade and shipowners on certain points, and if time permits owners will telegraph to-night their own respective agents New Zealand. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 18th March 1915. With reference to your telegram of 16th March: Have seen Board of Trade and others in respect to supply of insulated steamers for New Zealand. Every effort is being made obtain all tonnage available. Am desired by Board of Trade to state they'are thoroughly aware of importance of matter.