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From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 2nd March, 1.915. Am informed " Star of India " due Auckland towards the end of March from New York via Panama Canal. Comes to Wellington; from here proceeds to Sydney to complete discharging, finally loading there for the United Kingdom. Be good enough to see owuers and represent to them the importance of making this vessel available for loading frozen meat in New Zealand. For the month of March we are particularly short of insulated tonnage. This steamer could load up completely with meat for the Imperial Government. Consult Board of Trade if necessary. S.S. "MURITAI" AND " HAWKE'S BAY." From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 17th December, 1914. Owners of " Muritai " have offered to send her in ballast to New Zealand on terms of Government paying for half month's hire of " Hawke's Bay," amounting to £5,200. Please telegraph reply with least possible delay. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 18th December, 1914. With reference to your telegram of l?tb December: Telegraph at once when " Muritai " could leave provided Government favourably entertain offer. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 18th December, 1914. In reply to your telegram of 18th December: Admiralty advises that "Muritai" will probably be ready beginning of January. Will telegraph the date when known definitely. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 23rd December, 1914. With reference my telegram 18th December: "Muritai" will not be released until end of January or early in February by Admiralty. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 30th December, 1914. What arrangements have you made for the " Hawke's Bay " and " Muritai " to come out to New Zealand? It is of the greatest importance that I should know when these boats leave London and whether they are returning direct in ballast or otherwise. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister 29th December, 1914, Referring to my telegram of 23rd December : Admiralty now anticipate that " Muritai " will be discharged about 10th January. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 29th December, 1914. Wire date " Hawke's Bay " will be leaving London for New Zealand. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 29th December, 1914. In reply your telegram of 29th December : " Hawke's Bay " expected to leave 12th January. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 31st December, 1914. In reply to your telegram 30th December: See my telegram 29th December re "Hawke's Bay" and "Muritai." Latter will return to New Zealand in ballast about 17th January provided that you telegraph acceptance of my telegram 17th December, From Right Hon. (he Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 4th January, 1915. With reference your cable 17th December: Why has half month's hire of "Hawke's Bay" been brought into question of consideration for "Muritai "? What is basis of proposal? From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Rigid Bon. the Prime Minister. 4th January, 1915. In reply your telegram lih January rt " Muritai " : Reason given by owners was simply to serve as guide to price. Please reply whether offer of £5,200 will be accepted. Vessel is available shortly.