H.—35.

1899. NEW ZEALAND.

RATES OF FREIGHTS ON IMPORTS AND EXPORTS: AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TYSER LINE SHIPPING COMPANY AND THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated Tuesday, the Ist August, 1899. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House copies of all agreements entered upon since the 31st March, 1898, between the Government and each of the several shipping companies (or their representatives) engaged in the carrying trade with Great Britain in reference to the rates of freights on goods imported, or on meat, grain, butter, or other produoe exported."—(Mr. Duthie.)

AGREEMENT. Agreement made this nineteenth clay of April, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, between the Tyser Line (Limited), a company duly incorporated under the Companies Acts of the Imperial Parliament (hereinafter referred to as "the Tyser Line") of the one part, and Bichard John Seddon, acting for the Minister for Agriculture for and behalf of the New Zealand Government (hereinafter referred to as " the Government"), of the other part: Whereas the Tyser Line is a shipping company, and has for some time past established a line of steamers between New Zealand and London : And whereas, in view of the unfavourable market for grain in Europe, the Government is desirous of assisting New Zealand farmers in securing a low rate of freight for their grain to London : Now, therefore, these presents witness that it is herein agreed by and between the Tyser Line and the Government as follows, that is to say: — 1. The Tyser Line shall place at the disposal of the Government all uninsulated surplus space in the Tyser Line's regular steamers, and, subject to the conditions hereinafter contained, the Government undertakes to supply cargo (being wheat and oats in bags) in quantities sufficient to fill such space. 2. The said cargo of wheat and oats shall be received on the Tyser Line steamers at such port or ports in New Zealand as the Government shall require, provided that there is sufficient water at such ports to enable the said steamers to load the grain always afloat, and without undue risk to steamers. 3. The rates upon 'grain cargo supplied by the Government under this agreement shall be thirty shillings per ton of two thousand two hundred and forty pounds for wheat, and thirty-two shillings and sixpence per ton of two thousand two hundred and forty pounds for oats, plus five pounds per centum primage. 4. The Tyser Line shall use its best endeavours to fill the uninsulated space in its regular steamers with general cargo (including wheat and oats) before calling on the Government to supply cargo for the surplus space; but the Tyser Line shall not be bound to accept any such general cargo at rates of freight less than the equivalent to wheat at thirty shillings per ton, and oats at thirty-two shillings and sixpence per ton, plus five pounds per centum primage. 5. In the event of any other steamship company reducing their rates below those mentioned in clause 3, and the Tyser Line having to make a corresponding reduction, the Government undertake to make good to the Tyser Line the difference between the rates specified in clause 3 and any reduced rate or rates that may have to be accepted by the Tyser Line. 6. The proportion of wheat and oats to be shipped in each steamer shall, in the aggregate cargo of the steamer, be not more than one-third oats to two-thirds wheat. 7. The cargo to be supplied by the Government under this agreement shall be placed alongside the steamer in accordance with the custom of the port, and the Tyser Line shall pay all charges in respect of receiving from alongside and stowing the same. 8. In the event of there not being sufficient wheat or oats in bags forthcoming to fill the uninsulated surplus space, the Government undertake to pay dead freight on all such space not filled at the rate of twenty-five shillings per ton of forty cubic feet (without primage), such space to be measured in the customary manner, and to be agreed upon by two experts, one to be appointed by the Government and the .other by the Tyser Line. 9. This agreement shall apply to all the Tyser Line's regular steamers available in New Zealand for Homeward loading during the months of April to August, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, both inclusive.