THE ORDER FOR OATS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7381, 6 February 1902, Page 4

THE ORDER FOR OATS.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

(PER FRItSS ASSOCIATION.)

Nelson, February 4.

At last night's banquet, the Premier referred to the order recently received by the Government for oats, and said he had now received conditions which were such that it was next to impossible for the producers to comply with, and he doubted whether any firm would offer. The conditions were that the oats were to be shipped in March and April, in bags of the best quality containing 801b net, aud to be inspected by Government, the cost of re-bagging (if necessary) at the port of discharge to fall on the contractor ; tho decision of tbe military authorities on thi3 matter to be final ; tbe steamer to carry no deck cargo, and the steamer's name, port of loading, and the date of shipment to be reported ; any alterations immediately on the steamer calling for orders at Durban to be given within 24 hours; on arriving she may be quired to discharge at two of tbe following — Durban, East London,- Port Elizabeth, Capetown, and Delagoa Bay ; in the case of tbe steamer being unable to cross the bar at East London, the lighterage to be paid for by the CoUtractor; oats to be unloaded at an average rate of nob less than 250 tons per day, the British Government paying demurrage at a rate of sixpence a day per net registered ton ; half a day demurrage only to be paid in case of detention not exceeding twelve hours. On arrival at Durban an advance of 10 per cent, will be made in London on the value of cargo, exclusive of freight ; in the production of insurance policies and bills of lading the insurance to be effected by approved underwriters or companies ; in the case of freight and freight contingencies being insured, the advance will be 80 per cent, of the invoice value ; the balance due to be paid in London within 14 days of receipt of cable from the General Officer Commanding at Capetown notifying the discharge ; with regard to any payment to tbe contractor in respect of freight or demurrage, he shall indemnify the War Office to a like claim on the ship owner for cancelling the contract in case of the vessel not arriving at the port of discbarge on the date to be agreed upon. The Premier said it was an insult to offer such terms.