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S.S. "MARERE" AND "STAR OF VICTORIA." From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 7th December, 1914. Kindly ascertain from Admiralty what is being done about return to New Zealand of Commonwealth" Dominion Line boats " Marere " and " Star of Victoria," which are used as transports for Australian troops. Extract of Telegram from High Commissioner, for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 11th December, 1914. With reference to your telegram of Bth December : Admiralty has instructed transports " Marere," " Star Victoria " return direct from Egypt to Australia, where they will be required. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia. 14th December, 1914. Am advised that steamers " Marere " and "Star of Victoria," of Commonwealth Dominion Line, which were engaged in transport troops to Egypt, are returning to Australia. We require steamers very urgently to enable us to convey our meat and dairy-produce to Britain. Our export season will be al its highest in January and two following months, and these two steamers would help us greatly. Should feel much obliged, if there is any intention of utilizing these steamers for military purposes, if it is not subjecting you to any inconvenience, that they might be relieved from such service. From Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 17th December, 1914. With reference to your telegram of 14th December regarding "Marere" and "Star of Victoria " : Large refrigerated space also required by Commonwealth of Australia. These ships were fitted for carriage of troops by Government of Australia, and are returning to convey parts of Third Expeditionary Force. In these circumstances Government regret cannot see way to release for New Zealand trade. From Right. Hon. the Prime Minister to Acting Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia. sth January, 1915. With reference my previous wire 14th December re " Marere " and " Star Victoria " : We are in great straits to find freight for our meat for Britain. Could you by any means release either the " Marere "or " Star Victoria " 1 One would be a great help. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to Acting Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia. 11th January, 1915. Should be exceedingly obliged receive favourable reply my cablegram sth instant re steamers " Star Victoria " and " Marere." From Acting Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 11th January, 1915. Referring your cablegrams sth and 11th January respecting steamers " Marere," " Star of Victoria " being made available for loading frozen meat from New Zealand : Regret local demand for space and exigencies transport service preclude compliance request. S.S. 'STAR OF INDIA," "STAR OF ENGLAND," AND "RUAPKHU." From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. Bth December, 1914. Ascertain and advise whether "Star of India" and "Star of England" have left Egypt for London. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 11th December, 1914. " Star England " not yet leaving Egypt. " Star India " leaving 10th December. from Right lion, the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 29th December, 1914. Wire date when " Ruapehu " will be leaving London for New Zealand. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 30th December 1914. "Ruapehu" leaves 31st December lor America, and thence direct Australia and New Zealand. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 31st December 1914. Ruapehu " not expected to leave before 7th January.