ARMY MEAT CONTRACTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 805, 21 January 1903, Page 4

ARMY MEAT CONTRACTS.

- .(Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, last night. ’ The Premier holds very strongly , that the colonies should receive special consideration in connection wilh j the army meat contracts. The foi- [ lowing telegrams emphasising this , view were despatched during the past ' few days “ January 1: To the Of--1 fleer com maiming in the Transvaal.— Jam not at present aware what response iias bee'ii received to the advertisement for meat contract,but would suggest that the contract he split up amongst; the colonies, who are in a position to supply," “ January it). : To the Premier of New South Wales. —I took action a fortnight ago respecting the meat contracts, urging on the Acting-Sec-retary of State file claims of British colonies, and also communicated direct with the General commanding in South Africa. Tenders close on February 3. T|iere is a condition in the contract that supplies are to be received from British colonies, but the requirements are so involved and indefinite as to almost preclude the colonies’ meat companies from tendering direct.” ‘‘ January 17 : To Mr Joseph Chamberlain, Pretoria, re South African military meat contract.—Under existing conditions, it is impossible for anyone in New Zealand or Australia to tender. Forms qf contract cannot he obtained. Ample notice has not been given, as by the expressed desire of the Conference of Premiers should he the case. When the General commanding sent authority for lenders lo lie advertised, full particulars and details should also have been sent, so that intending tenderers might know what they were tendering for. As a matter of fact, the points of delivery had not at that time been determined. The outlook at present points lo the contract going ic the Argentine. I strongly recommend an extension of time for the tenders, and (lure, forms of contract with full particulars and details be sent to Australia and New Zealand." The Premier lias received the following message from the Governor,dated •January Hi: ‘.‘To the Prom cr, Christchurch.—The Governor has received a cable from the Admiral that Mr William, Hogarth, victualling stoic ufiicer of the Admiralty, leit Sydncv on Saturday in the Warriinoo for Wellington, and asks that every facility may lie given him. including a pass on the Government railways. His business is to ascertain the resources of the colony for Admiralty purposes.—Ranfurly.”