THE PREMIER AND THE MEAT CONTRACTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11873, 27 January 1902, Page 5

THE PREMIER AND THE MEAT CONTRACTS.

REMONSTRANCE TO THE COLONIAL , SECRETARY. [BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington", Saturday. . The following is the text of the memorandum which forms the basis of a cablegram sent to the Imperial authorities in regard to the meat contracts: — " Premier's Office, Wellington, January 24. —Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. . • " The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and desires that he will, by cable, advise the Secretary of State for the Colonies that a press cable received here states that in connection with tenders for supplies of meat for the troops in South Africa a ' contract has been signed which provides that portion of the requirements is to be obtained from the Argentine on the ground that Australasia cannot supply the whole. The Premier hopes that this is not correct, as if so it is not Australia and to this colony, who can supply far in excess of the War Office requirements of very best quality. The Premier strongly urges that New Zealand should be allowed to participate in supplying meat in preference to the Argentine, seeing that New Zealand's and Australia's claims should be considered paramount as compared with those of the Argentine or any other foreign country. The Premier would further point out that New Zealand is establishing direct steam service with South Africa, and had in view the sending of meat there. If the Argentine participates in the meat supplies it will militate against the steam service and prejudicially affect the colony in respect to its export trade to South Africa. Tender forms were received in this colony too late for New Zealand to tender, and the Premier urges that New Zealand and Australia can supply the quantity required, and to obtain supplies from Argentine will cause much irritation. —(Signed) R. J. Seddon." (Received January 27, 1.25 a.m.) . Sydney, January 26. Mr. See - fully endorses Mr. Seddon's protest against contracts for the army supplies being given to the Argentine. He has cabled to the Agent-General, stating that preference ought to be given to British coiomes.