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ballast of the transports. Impossible to obtain refrigerator steamers owing to their being fully occupied in shipment of Argentine and Australia on account of higher freights, though may be induced to proceed to New 'Zealand by offer of increased freights. From High Commissioner for New 'Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 20th October, 1914. Cabled statement not correct. Admiralty appreciates importance of frozen-meat trade. Such vessels not now requisitioned, and those engaged will be released as soon as practicable. Representations made by shipowners to Admiralty against requisitions for meat-steamers. Admiralty have taken fifty-six frozen-meal ships out of 230 employed. Thirty-five now conveying troops Australasia will be released January and February. Release of twelve uncertain, and nine will be retained till end of war. S.S. "ATHKNIC," "WAIMANA," "ARAWA," AND "ORARI." From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 30th November, 1.914. Please do all that is possible to expedite return of as many transports New Zealand Expeditionary Force as possible, as we are going to be short of insulated ships from the end of January onwards to the end of the season. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. sth December, 1914. Referring to your telegram of 30th November : In order to speedily export New Zealand produce, do you approve my negotiating with. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Shipping Company with due regard to charter-party that " Athenic " and " Waimana" be returned direct to New Zealand from Egypt, transhipping cargo for London ? From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 7th December, 1914. Your telegram of sth instant: Negotiations with Shaw-Savill Company re "Athenic" and " Waimana " approved. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Bth December, 1914. Referring to your telegram of 7th. December, following arrangement has been made with Shaw-Savill Company, subject to your decision : Cargoes to be transhipped " Arawa " from " Athenic " and " Waimana " ; two latter to return to Wellington owners, who will take redelivery there. Hire-money to be continued until steamers arrive, but to cease during process of reinstating steamers. "Arawa" to be redelivered London according to terms of the charter-party. Have telegraphed Godley to keep steamers pending instructions from you. Matter urgent. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 11th December, 1914. Kindly advise position re steamer " Orari," which went from here with troops, but had no frozen meat on board. Arrange if possible for this boat to return in ballast. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 11th December, 1914. With reference my telegram 7th December : Endeavouring arrange New Zealand Shipping Company to-day for "Orari" also return to New Zealand direct from Egypt on same terms. Will telegraph immediately finally settled. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 12th December, 1914. With reference to my telegram of 10th December, "Orari" will discharge oats Egypt, returning to New Zealand immediately after. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. I.sth December, 1914. Please advise dates sailing "Waimana" and "Athenic." Also furnish particulars arrangements made with owners for return these boats to New Zealand. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 18th December, 1914. Referring to your telegram of 15th December: "Athenic," "Waimana" left Egypt for New Zealand on 17th December. My telegram of 7th December outlined my arrangements witli owners; your telegram of 9th December approved. Secondly: Same arrangements apply to " Orari," to leave Egypt about 23rd December, Crews' wages of these vessels to be settled by New Zealand,