SUPPLY OF SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2385, 15 February 1915, Page 3

SUPPLY OF SHIPS

NOTHING LEFT UNDONE

GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY

COPIES OF CORRESPONDENCE

It is generally known now that the meat freezing industry may be interrupted or at least hampered slightly in the remaining months of the season by tho short supply of ships available to carry the produce Home.' It is admitted also that the present difficulty is due not only to the commandeering of tonnage for war purposes, but to the drought in New Zealand. >If there had been rain in the later months of last year the rush of stock to the works would not have been Buch an unprecedently heavy one. Even now it is quite possible that no serious hardship will be suffered by the producers of the Dominion.

■The Prime Minister has made available for publication copies of telegraphic and other correspondence between the New Zealand Government and other parties (including the Imperial Government) relative to the supply of ships for the New Zealand' trade. As Mr. Massey stated when handing over the documents to a DOMINION representative, the correspondence shows that everything possible has been, done and is being done by the Government.

| Summary of Negotiations: Statement showing steps that have been taken by the Government to secure refrigerated tonnage for New Zealand. Kio Ora.—ln' October last, _ as a result of representations by . the New Zealand Government, the Canadian Governmont agreed to allow the Kia Ora to proceed to New-Zealand for homeward loading. Indralema, Star of Scotland, Nerehana. —As a result of representations made to the Commonwealth of' Australia, these boats, were available for outward loading in October-November of last year. Karamea.—The Government offered to pay half the oost to bring this steamer out in ballast, but this was not accepted by the company. Muritai. — Arrangements completed bringing this steamer out in .ballast at rate arranged as between Government and owners.

Waimana, Athenic, Orari—Arrangements completed to allow these boats to come to New Zealand direct from Egypt on special terms fixed between Governmenfcam3 owners. Zealandic.—The owners asked <£10,000 to expedite the departure of the steamer from London by at least three 1 weeks for New Zealand loading. The Government offered to pay .half cost, aiid asked the meat companies concerned to provide the balance. A: majority -of tho companies would. not agree to make any payment, and the negotiations were not continued. Suffolk—Representations wore made to the Admiralty in December to 9ecnre the release of the Suffolk from service in Egvpt, and advice was received that finch would .be .done,; The owners t asked that the Government should requisition n*r on transport basis,, and the Hi?h Commissioner was instructed to make the best advice had been received that the Suffolk would be available the question of reconditioning the vessel arose and had to be referred to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, who intimated that' bis Government insisted on the terms of the original charter being carried out, as tho Suffolk would bo etill repaired for military purposes in Australia. ■ Hororata.— Correspondence ha 9 been exchanged with the Commonwealth of Australia with regard to allowing this vessel to load in New Zealajid before being used for the purpose of a transport by the Australian Government-, but on the 11th instant the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth advised that the position of the meat industry had become more acute in Australia, and that he could not accede to the vessel being utilised as desired. Opawa.—Negotiations are at present "proceeding .in London with a view to obtaining the Opawa for oarly loading in New Zealand.

Cables between the Prime Minister and High Commissioner, London. Cable from Secretary .of State for the Colonies. V

To High Commissioner, October 15,1914: Advise particulars of steamers ia ports Great Britain representing Shaw, Savill, N.Z." Shipping Co., Commonwealth and Dominion, and Federal-Hcmlder Lines, fitted with refrigeration, and also carrying general cargo. Give approximate sailing dates on which steamers would be available on Arrival New Zealand for freighting produce and general cargo to British ports. Also advise whether possible charter four or five steamers suitable for carrying frozen meat, dairy produce, and general cargo. To High Commissioner, October 16,191-1: Steamers with refrigeration .should arrive New Zealand as early as possible November and onwards. Ascertain what terms steamers now loading or arriving October to load in Great Britain could dopart for Dominion at once or in October or November, either with part cargo or in ballast. . . From High Commissioner, October 17, 1914: Position of New Zealand Shipping Co.'» ships available for cargo from New Zealand is that from now until end of year five lefrigerator steamers and pne insulated are available for Homeward loading. During January there will be available in New Zealand four refrigerators and one uninsulated steamer, February three refrigerators and one insulated. In addition to these Federal Line, Shaw, Savill, and Tyser Companies -will berth steamers. For names and tonnage see New Zealand Shipping Co. , - , . From Secretary of State to the Colonies to His Exoellenoy the Governor, October 7, 1914: ' ; ; . ' All transports will be paid off as soon aa 'troops 1 are disembarked, but whether tbey can return with part-loading or Tinder ballast, is matter for shipowner. Impossible release Muritai, so as to be in New Zealand on January 21, but she will bo released immediately after amval To High Commissioner, October 13.1914: Advise names of vessels in United Kingdom waiting cargo for New. Zealand. From High Commissioner, October, 14, 1914: , No steamers awaiting outward cargoes. Up to end of January there will be sufficient steamers available for carrying produce from New Zealand, after that will depend -on quick Teturn in. ballast of the transports, impossible, to obtain refn■geiator steamers owing to their being fully occupied in shipment of Argentina and Australia, on account of higher freights, though may be induced to proceed to New Zealand by offer of increased freights. To High Commissioner, November 7, 1914:

Press cable London _ states Admiralty commandeering increasing number refrigerating vessels. Shipowners are not seriously objecting because New Zealand shippers object to pay increased charges which tho shipowners dosiro to impose. Advise.

From High' Commissioner, October 20, 1914:

Cabled statement not oorrect. Admiralty appreciates importance of frozen meat trade. Such vessels not low requisitioned and those engaged will be released as soon as practicable. Representations mode by shipowners to Admiralty against requisitions for meat steamers. Admiralty have taken 56 frozen meat ships out of 230 employed; 35 now conveying troop* .Australasia will bo released January and February. Release of 12 uncertain, and 9 will be retained till end of war.

To High Commissioner, December 7, 1914:

Ascertain from Admiralty what i« being done about return to New Zealand of steamers Marere and Star of Victoria, which were used as transports for Australian troops. Also advise whether Star of India, Star of England, and Hawke's Bar have loft Egypt for London.

From High Commissioner, December 30. 1914!

Rnapfibn leaves December 31 for America, and thence direct Australia and New Zealand. To HJ"h Commissioner, November 30. 1914: ° , Please do all that is possible to expedite retnm of as many transports New Zealand Bipeditioa&ry Force aa possible,

as wo are going to be 6hort of insulated (ships from the end of January onwards to tho end of the season.

From High Commissioner, December 31, 1914:

Buapehn not expected to loavo beforo January 7. To High Commissioner, January 7,1914: Inquire whether any insulated steamers are available suitable for carrying frozen rneait which could come out to Now Zealand at once and return when loaded. Give names, carrying capacity in carcasses, and terms under which they oould be obtained.

From High Commissioner, January 3, 1915:

Niwaru now at. Melbourne, duo Now Zealand January 23, can take 91,800 carcasses. Makarijii, now Sydney, due Now Zealand January 24, 119,875 carcasses. Mimiro, now Sydney, ihio New Zealand February 13, 85,880 carcasses. Star of i Australia, duo New Zealand March 14, 79,000 carcasses. Hawke's Bay, duo New Zealand March 27, 120,200 carcasses. Muritai, in ballast, due New Zealand March, dne Whangarei end of March, 1)5,000. Arawa, due Auckland April 10, 95,600. Bangatira, due Auckland end of April, 10G.300. Zealandic, duo Auckland March 30, 115,000. lonic, due Wellington March 23, 106,500. Tokomaru, due New Zealand about May 10, 91,800. Mamari, due Wellington April 20, 99,400. Kia Ora, duo Dutedin April 29, 94,400. Bemuera, during February 1 , 107,000. Kaikoura, during February, 100,500. Ojrari, during Febiuary, 103,400. Kuahine, during March, 104,0(!0. Buapehu, during April, 92,800. Kotorua, during April, 107,000. Unable to send out any in ballast. Arawa being utilised as cargo boat. Have applied to High Commissioner for Australia to allow Hororata load meat in Now Zealand prior calling for troops in Australia for Egypt. . To High Commissioner, February 1, 1915:

N.z: Shipping Company's steamer Opawa just about arrived London. Ascertain and advise terms under which company would send steamer to New Zealand in ballast to load frozen meat. Government would not object to pay half cost if quick outward dispatch secured. To High * Commissioner, February 3, 1915: '

Anxious to know if any insulated steamers owned by the New Zealand Shipping Company, Shaw-Savill, Commonwealth and Dominion Line, or N.Z. and African, and now utilised by Admiralty, can be released this month. Make strong representations this direction. Meat export trade, including Army contracts, may bo seriously affected owing to want of insulated space.

From High Commissioner, February 2, 1915:

In reply to your telegTams of February I and 2, very full inquiries have been made from all shipowners, and cannot succeed securing further tonnage owned by commitments here for outward freightage, and increased freightage froiu Australia and Argentine, but can secure Zealandic, sailing rtliis neck, for ten thousand. Open until February 4. Unless I hear to contrary from you, will accept offer, as opportu'ty should not be lost. To High Commissioner, February- 3, 1915:

It is understood that Zealandic is advised to sail for New Zealand from London on February 10, and consequently any acceleration seems to possess doubtful advantage. Advise frrther.

From High Commissioner, February 3, 1915:.

In reply to your telegram of February 3, now find Zealandic cannot leave before February 10, but if leaving then estimate gain about three to four weeks.. Is (? if) fully loading here, will not leave February 18, and further time will be lost discharging cargo in New Zealand. Reply promptly. Secondly, referring to my* telegram of January 29, presume that you were unable to fix up Suffolk, which has been ordered back to Australia from Egypt. In this connection, your attention is directed to New Zealand Shipping Company's cables January 27, to their Christchurch office, re Hororata, etc. It rests with you to ask Commonwealth of Australia to release Suffolk.

From High Commissioner, February 3, 1915:"

Inform me what is the tonnage required per month between now and June, and I will endeavour to arrango with shipping companies accordingly. To High Commissioner, February 5, 1915:

Estimated- that from February to July inclusive insulated space will be required for five million one hundred thousand carcasses. For February, March, and April insulated space for approximately two million five nundred thousand now believed to be available, whereas there 'should be at least space for these three mouths amounting to about five hundred thousand more, leaving a requirement for May, June, and July of two million one hundred thousand.

• To High Commissioner, February 8, 1915: Ascertain present whereabouts and what trade engaged in all refrigerated steamers ownfd or chartered by Shaw-Savill, New Zealand Shipping Company, Commonwealth and Dominion, and FederalHoulder lines. Cable information. To High Commissioner, February 11, 1915: — Anxiously waiting reply my cable February 1, re 8.3. Opawa. Return of the Transports. From High Commissioner, December 7, 1914: "Deferring to your telegram of November 30. 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?" •To High Commissioner, December 7, 1914: "Your telegram of sth instant, negotiations with' Shaw. Savill Company re Athenio and Waimana approved.' Fi'om High Commissioner, December 8. 1914: "Referring to your telegram of Deoejnber 7, 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." To High Commissioner, December 11, 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, December 11, 1914: "With reference my telegram December 7 endeavouring arrange ; N.Z.S.S. Co. today for Orari also return to N.Z. direct from Egypt on same terms. Will tele-" graph immediately finally settled." From High Commissioner, December 12. 1914: i "With reference to my telegram of December 10, Orari will discharge oats Egypt, returning to Now Zealand immediately after."

To High Commissioner, December 15, 1914:

"Please advise dates sailing Waimana and Athenic. Also furnish particulars arrangements made with owners for return these boats to New Zealand."

From High Commiesione', December 18, 1914:

""Referring 1 to your telegram of December 15, Athenic, Waimana. left Egypt for New Zealand on December 17. My telegram of December 7 outlined my arrangements with' owners, your telegram of December 9 approved. Secondly. Same arrangements apply to Orari to leave Egypt about December 23. Crews' wages of these vessels to be sottled by New Zealand."

From High Commissioner, December 19, 1914:

' "In reply to your folegTam of December 18, all arrangements for Teturn. to the Dominion of Athenic, Waimana, and Orari, I have made this end as per my telegrams December 7, December 10, and December 11. ' Secondly, have been in close contact with Admiralty and Godley re other transports, and notice of discharge already served on. companies, whilst arrangements as to refitting, etc., are on kind.

l'>orn High Commissioner, December 24, 1914:

"With reference to my telegram of December 18,' Orari left Egypt December 22." Prom High Commissioner, January 1, 1315 i ■"Transports Athsnic, VYainiaiw, will

you sottle with Sliaw Savill and Albion Company question of liabilities colonial wages, and. also spaoe and freight cargo returned in vessels."

Marere and Star of Victoria, Copies of cables exchanged botween tho High Commiesioner, tho Commonwealth of Australia, and the Now Zealand Government regarding tho Maroro and otar of Victoria:— High Commissioner, London, December 12, 1914: ■ , , "Kindly ascertain from Admiralty what is being done about return to New Zealand of Commonwealth Dominion Lino boats Marore and Star of Victoria, which are used as transports for Australian troops." .ip Extract of cablegram from High Commissioner, December 11, 1914: "With. reference to your telegranj of Decomber 8, Admiralty has instructed transports Marere, Star of Victoria' return direct from Egypt to Australia, where they will be required." Tho Right Hon. I'rimo Minister, Commonwealth, Australia, Melbourne, December 14, 1914: . "Am advised that steamers Maroro and Star of Victoria of Commonwealth Dominion Line, which were engaged in transport troops to Egypt, are returning to Australia. We require steamors very urgently to enable us to convey our meat and dairy produce to Britain. Our export season will be at its highost in January and two following months, and these two steamers would help greatly. Should feel much obliged if there is any intention of utilising these steamers for military purposes that if it is not subjecting you to nny inconvenience that they, might be reliovod from such service.—Massey.''" \ From 'Prime Minister of Commonwealth, December 17, 1914: "Witn reference to your telegram ot December 14 regarding Marere and btar 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 regTet' cannot see way to release for New Zealand trade. To Acting Prime Minister, Commonwealth Australia, January 5, 1915: ■-"With reference my previous wire December 14 re Marere and Stay yetnrn. we are in great straits to find freight for our meat for Britain. Could you uy any means release either the Marere or Star Victoria? One would be a great help. To Acting Prime Minister, Commonwealth Australia, January 11, 1915: . "Should be exceedingly obliged received favourable reply my_ cablegram January 5 re steamers Star Victoria and Marere. From Acting Prime Minister, Gommonwalth Australia, January 11, 1915: "Referring your cablegrams January 5 and 11 respecting' steamers Marere, brar ot Victoria being made available tor loading frozen meat from New Zealand, regretted local demand for space and exigencies transport service preclude compliance request—Hughes, Acting Prime Minister." .. The s.s. Suffolk. Copies of and extracts from cablegrams exchanged between the New Zealand Government and the High Commissioner, London, in respect to the's.s. Sullolk. To High Commissioner, December 23, Understand steamer Suffolk Egypt as store ship. Confer with Admiralty with view to her return Isew &ealand . where urgently required to load dairy produce' and frozen meat. From High Commissioner, December 23, With reference to your telegram of the 23rd. instant, New Zealand fa.S. Company advise that Suffolk not available for NewZealand, having other conditions laid down. ... . To High Commissioner, January 4, 1915: . Your cablegram December 23, Export trade for West England ports at. a standstill for want Suji'olk. Confer with Admiralty and see whether sho cannot, be' released. Morayshire having been oominandeered has accentuated the position. ' To High Commissioner, January 8, 1915: Anxiously waiting reply re Suffolk. Do everything possiblo to got tho boat released by tho Admiralty. It is urgently necessary that ye should havo tho services of thja vessel. From High Commissioner, January 14, 1915: Referring to your telegram January 4 and January 8, with .respect to release of Suffolk by the Admiralty, am urging the matter, but company state that it is uncertain vessel will bo available for New Zealand cargo owing to commitments. ... To High. Commissioner, January 16, 1915: , Referring to your telegram of 14th instant: Kindly continue efforts ro Suffolk. Vessel 19 urgently required carrying New Zealand produce, and I hope that if released the company will not divert her from New Zealand trade.

From High. Commissioner, January 21. 1915:

With reference to your telegram of January 8, and my telegram of January 11, doubtful when Admiralty will release Suffolk. Owners, are prepared to send her New Zealand' when released on condition you requisition her on New Zealand transport basis and give them charter on same terms Limerick taking credit for freight earnings. From High Commissioner, January 25, 1915:

Referring to my telegram of January 21, have learnt that Admiralty, in a few days will release Suffolk now in. What are your wishes regarding her ? To High Commissioner, January 27, 1915:

With reference to your telegram of January 25, re Suffolk. Make best terms possible with owners and arrange for steamer to leave at earlest possible moment for New Zealand, and advise.

To High Commissioner, January, 29, 1915:

With reference to my previous telegrams about Suffolk, please advise immediately when stealer will leave for New Zealand.

From High Commissioner, January 29, 1915:

In reply to your telegram of January 29, had arranged subject to your reply to have Suffolk similar terms Limerick charter, but suggest you come to terms immediately with Commonwealth of Australia who is responsible for reconditioning and hire until arrival London and during reconditioning, otherwise you will be responsible reconditioning, etc. Henderson suggests that Commonwealth of Australia should at the least pay cost of reconditioning, dry-docking, and surveying in New Zealand, and kind over 6tores and coal on board in place of amount they save in hire. Owners agree to give us benefit of their marine insurance policy, wo paying proportion from time ship on hire except amount of ,£IOOO, but Government must however bear if required Wiir risk insurance, namely, 1} per cent, for the round voyage. Admiralty .expect to release vessel in very few days. Telegraph reply immediately. To Acting-Prime Minister, Commonwealth, February 2, 1915:

Arrangements being made steamer Suffolk return New Zealand from Egypt to load frozen produce. Understand undor' terms charter your Government responsible for reconditioning and hire until arival London and during reconditioning. Seeing my Government would take vessel over Egypt, would your Government agree pay cost of reconditioning dry-docking and surveying New Zealand and hand over stores and coal <>n board in place of amount you savo in hire? Glad receive early reply. Mutter urgent.

From High Commissioner, February 3, 1915:

. . . Secondly, referring to my telegram of January 29, presume that you were unable to fix up Suffolk which has been ordered back to Australia from Egypt. ... It rests with you to ask Commonwealth of' Australia to release Suffolk.

To High Commissioner, February 4, 1915:

With reference to your cablegram of February 3: Your telegram January 20 conveyed that you had arranged for Suffolk to como out to New Zealand similar terms as Limerick charter, and I at onco communicated with Australia about reconditioning. It is most disappointing to now learn that steamer has been diverted. Advise reason of owners for not honouring proposal made br them. From High Commissioner, February 1, 1915:

. . . Will telegraph regarding Suffolk to-morrow.

From High Commissioner, February 5, 1915:

Referring to your telegram of February i, owners of Suffolk quite willing for her to proceed direct for New Zealand, but boiuff under charter to Commonwealth of AUdtralln. latlar ngu' Insists u.iton sel going Adelaide to load. Owners and

Admiralty transport do not anticipate vessel will be kept by Commonwealth Admiralty after having gone so far to forward orders releasing ship. On this I based my telegram of January 29. An early reply to my telegram of January 29 would have assisted. From Acting-Prime Minister, Commonwealth, February G, 1915: With reference to your telegram of Fobruary 3, steamer Suffolk required for transport purposes, liegrot unable to meet your wishes.

Muritai and Hawke's Bay. Copies of rabies exchanged between the High Coiiiuiisfiioncr and tho Right Hon. tho I'rinio Minister relative to the steamers Muritai and Hawko's Bay: London, Deoember 17, 1914.—Owners of -Vui'itai havo offered to send her in balhwt to Now Zealand on terms of Government paying for half month's hire of Hawko's Bay. Please telegraph reply with least possiblo delay. Wellington, December 12, 1914.—With reslerenco to your cablegram of December 17: Telegraph at once when Muritia could leave provided Government favourably entertain offer.

Lcndon, December 18, 1914.—1n reply to your tclegra.m of December 16, Admiralty advises that Muritai will probably bo ready beginning of January. Will telegraph tho date when known definitely.

London, December 12, 1914.—With reforonto my telegram December 18, Muritai will not be released until the end of January or early in February by Admiralty. Wellington, December 30, 1914.—Whalt arrangements havo you made for the Hawko's Bay and Muritai to come out to New Zealand? It is of ithe greatest impflitance that I should know when these boats leave London, and whether they are returning direct in ballast or otherwise. London, December 29, 1914.—Referring to my telegram of December 23, Admirnlty now anticipate that Muritai will be discharged about January 10. Wellington, December 29, 19H. —Wire dato when lluapehu and Hawke's Bay will be loaving London for New Zealand. London, Deoember 29, 1914. —In reply your telegram of December 29, Hawke's Bay expected to leave January 12. London.—ln reply to your telegram December 30, see my telegram December 29 re Hawko's Bay and Muritai. Latter will return to New Zealand in ballast about January 17, provided that you telegraph acceptance of my 'telegram December 17. Wellington, January 4, 1915.—With refcrenco your cable December 17, why has half month's hire of Hawke's Bay been brought into question of consider:!tion for Muritai? What is basis of proposal?

London, January 4, 1915.—1n ropiy your telegram January 4, rc Muritai, reason given by owners was simply 'to 6erve os guido to prico. Please reply whether offer of <£5,200 will be accepted. Vessel .is availabl shortly. Wellington, January 6, 1915.—With reference to your telegram of 4th instant, please arrange with owners of Muritai to send her out in ballast immediately for consideration named. Cable when she leaves and first port of call. Wellington, January 26, 1915,—With refereuco my telegram of January 6, am greatly disappointed to be informed here that Muritai has not yet left London. It is of utmost importance that she should not be any further delayed. London, January 26, 1915. In reply to rour telegram of January 2fi, Muritai has been iniured in collision. Now at dry dock. Expect to leave dock about Febrrary 13. After coaling, hopes to sail about February 20. S.S. Hororata. Extract from High Commissioner, December 23, 1914: Have seen Now Zealand S.S! Company which may bo induced to send out Hororata in ballast via Suez Canal middle of January; terms, -£10,000. Telegraph inbtructiwu. From l'rime Minister N.Z., January (i, 1915: Am advised steamer Hororaita .been requisitioned for another voyage from Australia, she to be delivered Melbourne ia>t week in March., Would it bo possible for your Government to- allow this steamer, procood dirt-cl to N*w Zealand load frozen meat before proceeding Australia. Understand in all probability meat export from Australia will bo much diminished by end March. From Acting-I'rime Mmistor, Australia, January 11, 1915: Referring your cablegrams January 5 and II respectively, steamer Hororata being made available for loading frozen meat from New Zealand. Regretted local demand for space and exigencies transport service-preclude compliance request. From Prime Minister N.Z., January 25, 1915; ■

On 6th instant I telegraphed you specially in respect of Hororata,. which 1 was informed had been chartered for another trip Australia to Britain, and asked that this steamer might come to New Zealand first to load frozen meat. On eleventh instant I had your reply intimating local demand and exigencies transport precluded compliance with 1 request. Owing, to strong representations made by producers and owners of vessel that I should again approach you to releaso the vessel I do so having personally satisfied myself of the extreme urgency which exists for additional refrigerated 6pace to be provided immediately. I am informed' that the owners of the vessel hare arranged for if; to call Albany for orders so- that if you can accede to my request • the steamer could come to New Zealand from there and I would undertake, to give the quickest dispatch here.

From High Commissioner, February 4, 11115:

Regarding the "Hororata, I interviewed Board of .Trade and Colonial Office to-day and a cablegram will be senit'GovernorGeneral of Australia asking if it is not possible let New Zealand have Hororata. Shipping people say that Australia has ample frozen tonnage for all requirements without Hororata. Will telegraph regarding Suffolk to-morrow. From Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, February 10, 1915: ■With reference to your telegram of January 30, much regret that request regarding Hororata cannot ho acceded to as position here in respect to frozen produce has become more acnto since 1 dispatched my telegram of January 11.