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From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. tho Prime Minister. 23rd March, 1915. With reference to your telegram of 22nd March: . . . Keeping in daily personal touch with Shipowners' Committee. Committee recognize that there will unfortunately be an inevitable shortage insulated tonnage for New Zealand Australia, although the appointment of Committee has stopped number of steamers from being diverted to Argentine Republic at penny farthing freightage. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 25th March, 1915. Shipping companies advise only five vessels available May for carriage meat behalf Imperial Government —viz., "Zealandic," "Ruapehu," " Mamari," "Opawa," and " Paparoa." Can you inform me whether any prospect this number being increased, and if so what extent? From High Commissioner for New 'Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 25th March, 1915. With reference to your telegram of 25th March with reference to provision of tonnage : Meeting is being called at Colonial Office to-morrow, which I shall attend. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 26th March, 1915. With reference to my telegram of 25th March : At conference to-day attended by representatives of the Admiralty, War Office, Board of Trade, and others position was openly stated and much confidential information disclosed. Result shortage of shipping increasing chiefly owing to war making heavy levies. Stated fully New Zealand's urgent requirements, which were recognized, but could not obtain promise increased shipping. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 13th April, 1915. New Zealand still in serious difficulty owing to shortage of insulated ships; in consequence vast quantities of meat have accumulated in the several freezing-works. Estimated there are now one and three-quarter million carcases mutton stored frozen ready for shipment. In meantime parts of New Zealand still suffering from drought; stock are rapidly losing their condition. Could you do anything more to send insulated ships New Zealand for purpose of relieving pressure, to arrive not later than end of May 1 From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 19th June 1915. With reference to your telegram of 19th June : Am informed by Shipping Committee that following steamers will be available for loading New Zealand in August: " Tainui," " Ruahine " "Opawa," "Hurunui," "Otaki," "Waimate," " Makarini." For September: "Kumara'," "lonic," " Matatua," "Rotorua," "Whakatane," "Orari." Will again approach Board of Trade, and will renew representations as to gravity of position. Will endeavour to persuade them to add to number of steamers promised, and also ascertain when provision has been made for tonnage after September. Will telegraph as soon as possible. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 21st June 1915. With reference to your telegram of 19th June: Have conferred with Board of Trade and Tonnage Committee again on the points raised, with the following results : Firstly, as stated in my telegram of 17th June, Tonnage Committee states that there will be approximate tonnage for 1,300,000 carcases during August-September, this number being provided by the list of steamers referred to in my cable 19th June. Tonnage Committee will endeavour provide more space for these months, but cannot arrange definitely at present. With reference to your telegram of 18th June, statement as to " El Cordobes " loading Australia is correct, but her place has been taken by the " Hurunui " (much larger than "El Cordobes ") originally allotted to Australia. Informed by Tonnage Committee that following steamers will be available loading New Zealand July • " Waiwera,"/'Athenic," "Delphic," " Corinthic," "La Blanca," "Remuera," " Tongariro " " Indrabarah,". " Somerset." Secondly, Tonnage Committee states that they cannot indicate at this early date amount, of tonnage available during the period October until the end of year. Thirdly, with reference to my telegram of 11th June, meat most urgently required for Army use! Board of Trade states that, countries of origin not consulted, but their needs are. not lost" sight of. Board of Trade states that New Zealand has not received less favourable treatment regarding tonnage than other countries. Patagonian shipment this month. Although there are 30 000 tons of meat awaiting shipment, Argentine only provided with tonnage to the extent of two-thirds requirements. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 16th February 1915. . Stated Lloyd's Register reports thirty-two vessels being fitted with refrigerated machinery Ascertain and advise further particulars as to what extent New Zealand affected.