NE MEET.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 324, 27 January 1902, Page 2

NE MEET.

A PROTEST FROM MR SEDDON. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night. The following is the text of the memorandum whic’ -;uis the basis of a cablegram sent DC 1 Imperial authorities in regard to ■ .5 contracts “ Preu. Office, Wellington, 24th January. -mmandum for His Excellency ti Governor: The Premier presents hi- conrr.iuients to His Excellency, and dc.-..es t-i'.at he will by cable advise the Secretary of State for the Colonies that a press cable here states that in connection with tenders for supplies of meat for the troops in South Africa a contract has been signed which provides that a portionof the requirementsis to be obtained from the Argentine, on the ground that Australasia cannot supply the whole. The Premier hopes that this is not correct, as, if so, it is not just to Australia and to this colony, who can supply far in excess of the War Office requirements, of the very best quality. The Premier strongly urges that Netv Zealand should bo allowed to participate in supplying meat in preference to the Argentine, seeing that the interests of New Zealand and Australia should be considered paramount as compared with those of the Argentine or any other foreign country. The Premier would further point out that New Zealand is establishing a steam service with South Africa, and in view of the sending of meat there. If the Argentine partiepates in meat supplies it will militate against the steam service, and prejudicially affect the colony in respect to its export trade to South Africa. Forms were received in this colony too late for New Zealand to tender, and the Premier urges that New Zealand and Australia can supply the quantity required, and to obtain supplies from tho Argentine will cause much irritation.—Signed, R. J. Seddon.”