New Zealand.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 45, 9 October 1914, Page 3

New Zealand.

OFFERS OF MEN AND GIFTS OF MONEY. 9 [[PlB Pbjebi Association.] Wellington, October 8. In the House to-day, the Prime Minister read a letter received by the Government from the residents of Niue, in the Cook Group, enclosing £lO4 14s 5d for the Patriotic. Fund—£32 9s 3d from the white residents and £l3l 15s 2d from the natives. There was also an offer of 200 natives for service in any part of the world in defence of the Empire.—Mr Massey said that the offer was a very fine one, and was a proof of the loyalty of the natives. Itshowed that they appreciated the justice and liberty they found in the British Empire.—Mr. Russell, on behalf of the Opposition, also expressed appreciation of the generosity of the people of the Islands, especially the natives.—Mr Glover intimated that he had received an offer of £ll6 17s from the residents of Mangaia, which he had handed to the Government.— Botli offers .were receive* by the House with enthusiasm. SHIPS FOR PRODUCE. [Pbb Pbkbs Association.] Wellington, October 8. In-the House to-night the Prime Minister made a further statement with regard to ships available to carry the Dominion's .produce to i the Home markets during the first two or three months of the new year. He had previously stated that he had communicated with the Premier of Australia, asking him not to commandeer the three ships now in Australian waters which usually trade with this country. He had that day received the following telegram :—"Prime Minister, Wellington.—Re your cablegram of September 30: Arrangements will be made to avoid requisitioning ! either the Indralema, Star of Scotland or Nerehana for transport purposes if at all possible. From present indications it is unlikely that ,they will have to be taken.—Fisher." He had also communicated with the Imperial authorities, asking them ,to permit the transports .taking our troops to return at the earliest moment, and his Excellency was in receipt of the following reply to the cable: — "London, October 7.—With reference to your .telegrams of September 17 and 29, the Lords Commissioners [of the Admiralty state that all transports will be paid off as soo.n as the troops are disembarked, but the question of whether they can return with part loading or under ballast is a matter for ' the ' shipowners, who are being informed of your Government's .wishes. It' is regretted that it will not be possible to release the steamship Muritai so as' to be available and in New Zealand on January 21, but she will be released immediately after arrival here.—(Signed) Hnrcotirt." ' Continuing, the Prime Minister said the thanks 'of the people of; New Zealand were due to Mr Fisher for his courtesy and willingness to meet us in the matter, whch was of such vital importance to the trade of the cpun*iry'"

I Mr G. W. Russell said the statement was reassuring so far as the three steamers in Australia were concerned. There was', however, still room for anxiety'as to the pOssihility pf getting Other ships.