H.—3Ba

30

1918.

j.' x viii iiiuu vy»jj.yiJw.iK3r3H--i>nixv r \ji\ ±v in v\ uuajjaiiii v\j xiiiKJiiu axijii . uiio j. iiijviji iTiuMO i r. n.. i vu o tin u ai v , 1918. Urgent: Transports " Maunganui," "Tahiti," " Willoohra " arrived to-day and will be returned with units. " Maunganui " will be hospital ship, but it is proposed to load this vessel with salt as ballast to maximum available capacity subject to military requirements. Regarding " Tahiti " and " Willoohra," suggestion is submitted for your approval that either or both might be diverted to New York so as to supplement oil-steamers. Am advised also about 950 tons carbide available Montreal in execution of various New Zealand orders, and I am ascertaining from manufacturers at earliest possible date full quantity that could be ready for shipment New York. In view of your anxiety to secure supplies of this material should be glad to receive advice whether you desire me to endeavour to arrange shipment per returning transport, provided regulations governing shipment of dangerous cargo in vessels carrying passengers permit. Estimate diverting to New York will not entail more than fourteen days' extra voyage. Telegraph reply with least possible delay. —Mackenzie. From Right Hon. the Piume Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 10th January, 1918. With reference to your telegram of 7th January regarding your suggested utilization of "Maunganui," "Tahiti," and "Willoohra": Provided Hoard of Trade regulations governing shipment of dangerous cargoes on vessels carrying passengers are complied with your suggestions are agreed to. Ships are required to arrive in New Zealand for transportation of reinforcements as follows: "Maunganui," 27th March, 1918; "Tahiti," 25th April, 1918; "Willoohra," 22nd May, 1918.—Masset. From Secretary op State for the Colonies to Governor-General of New Zealand. Dated 4th February, received 5th February, 1918. With reference to my telegram of 29th November : I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the following is the programme of vessels which will sail'for New Zealand from the United Kingdom, Port Said, United States, East Africa, with refrigerated capacity in tons weight, meat: January —"Ionic," 2,975; " Orontes," 799. February—" Remuera," 2,997; "Maunganui," nil; "Tahiti," 1,000; "Willoohra," nil; " Mahana," 3,000; " Pakeha," 3,213; "Ulysses," 1,500; " Osterley," 873.—Long. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 14th February, 1918. It is stated that several thousand tons cargo, mostly steel, nails, and wire, are awaiting shipment to New Zealand at various Cauadian points owing to the United States Government placing an embargo on Canadian shipping from New York. It is represented that this means that the Canadian trade with New Zealand is practically paralysed for the benefit of United States manufacturers. It is recognized that the domestic affairs of the United States may justify what has happened, but I should be glad if you would cause inquiries to be made and telegraph any information which can be made available to importers in New Zealand who are interested in the cargo which is being held up. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 14th February, 1918. 1 have had personal interview with Ministry Shipping regarding tonnage situation. He stated that, as position as regards food in this country was most critical, it had been found necessary to divert number of ships to North American trade, which will mean shortage of ships from here to New Zealand for some time; so, while acknowledging assistance which has been rendered New Zealand recently in removing accumulated supplies, I represented that I considered undue diversion had been made to North America, and the meat was not so urgently required as to justify disorganization of New Zealand service, and ultimately Ministry of Shipping promised to use every effort to assist me.—Mackenzie. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 12th March, 1918. Urgent representations are continually being made to me by importers pointing out the necessity for the provision of shipping facilities from Montreal and New York, and I should be glad to receive as early as possible any information which you may be able to obtain. In addition to the cargo mentioned in my telegram of 26th February the following descriptions are urgently required : Printing-paper, carbide, corrugated and fiat iron, staples, nails, shaftings, pipes. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 18th March, 1918. Tonnage : With reference to your telegram 14th March : I have not received copy of reply sent to Secretary of State for the Colonies by the Governor-General, but the shipping situation is giving me most serious concern, and I am daily in touch with those who are controlling urging utmost possible assistance to Dominion. —Mackenzie.