H.—3Ba

14

From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 17th February, 1915. In reply to your telegram of 16th February : Thirty-five refrigerated vessels now building, but work greatly curtailed for reasons explained in telegram 11th February, and except those mention is made which may be accelerated none can be got ready for this meat season. Twelve above vessels are for Australian and New Zealand trade and four exclusively for New Zealand. S.S. "INDRALEMA," "STAR OF SCOTLAND," AND " NEREHANA." From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia. 30th September, 1914. I have been given to understand that there is a possibility of Commonwealth Government requiring steamers " Indralema," " Star of Scotland," " Nerehana," of Commonwealth Dominion Line, or some of these vessels, for transport purposes. Allow me to point out that the consequence of taking any more insulated steamers from New Zealand trade will be simply disastrous to this country. The busy season is now coming on, and we fear that on account of what has already taken place there will be a very serious shortage of vessels for the conveyance of frozen cargo from New 'Zealand to Great Britain. I hope you will be able to assure me it is not intended to interfere with the vessels mentioned. From Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 7th October, 1914. Your cablegram 30th September: Arrangements will be made to avoid requisitioning either " Indralema," " Star of Scotland," or " Nerehana " for transport jiurposes if at all possible. From present indications it is unlikely they will have to be taken. S.S. "KIA ORA." From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to Prime Minister of Canada. 13th November, 1914. Local conditions render it necessary that the Canadian authorities should grant permission for steamer " Kia Ora "to load homeward cargo at Auckland. Will you please approve? From Prime Minister, Ottawa, to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 13th November, 1914. Canadian Government approves " Kia Ora " loading homeward cargo Auckland. S.S. "RANGATIRA." From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to Prime Minister of Canada. 30th March, 1915. To afford relief to freezing companies, obliged your authority for " Rangatira " to load outward cargo Auckland and a few ports on way down coast New Zealand. From Prime Minister of Canada to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 31st March, 1915. With reference to your telegram of 30th March : No objection to course proposed. From His Excellency the Governor-General to Secretary of State for the Colonies. 27th April, 1915. Firstly : Am desired by Prime Minister to inform you that he has been supplied with information to the effect that several of the insulated ships which were expected to arrive in New Zealand during June and load with frozen meat for the Imperial Government will not now be available. Secondly :In view of this my Government wish me to request you to endeavour to make arrangements with the Board of Trade to send out some insulated ships in ballast to relieve the very great pressure that exists in New Zealand. Thirdly : Should like to point out that already serious loss has been incurred by many of the producers of this Dominion through the lack of available ships. Fourthly :In these circumstances Prime Minister trusts that no further attempts will be made to divert insulated ships from the trade of New Zealand. Fifthly : Would be grateful therefore if you would be good enough to request Board of Trade to send names of all insulated ships which will be available for carrying frozen meat from New Zealand for the Imperial Government during the next four months. From His Excellency the Governor-General to Secretary of State for the Colonies. 28th April, 1915. Am desired by Prime Minister to supplement my telegram of 27th April as follows: Firstly: Prime Minister has received definite information that the unloading of the " Delphic " at present in London has been delayed, but even now if unloaded promptly ship could return in ballast to New Zealand by June. Secondly :My Government wishes to emphasize pressing need for insu-