SHIPS FOR PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 116, 9 October 1914, Page 8

SHIPS FOR PRODUCE.

• RE-ASSUJUXU iSTATEMEXT.S.

IViOBLEM PARTLY SOLVED.

By Telegraph.—Per Tress Association. Wellington, Last Night.

In tho House to-night the Prime Minister made a further statement with regard to ships available to carry the L'ominion'n produce toi the Home markets during tho first two or three month® of the new year. He had previously suited' that he had communicated with the Premier of Australia, asking him not to commandeer the three ships now in Australian waters whicu usually tradu with this country. Jl-; had tJiat day received the following telegram:—"Prime Minister, Wellington. - -Re your cablegram of September 30: Arrangements will be mudo to avoid requisitioning either the lndralcma, Star of Scotland or Nerohana for transport purposes if at all ]>ossible. From presejit indications it is unlikely that they will have to be ta'ken—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, Oetoibur 7.—With reference to your telegrams of September 17 and 20, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty state that all transports will tie paid oil" as soon as the troops are disembarked, but the question of whether they can return with part loading or under foallast is a matter for the shipowners, who are bing informed of your Government's wishes. It is n grot tod that it will not be possible to releasthe steamship Muritai so as to be available and in New Zealand oil January 21, but she will be <rekwscd immediately after arrival here.—(Signed) ilaroourt." Continuing, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey said the thanks of the people of New Zealand were duo to Mr. Fisher for his courtesy and willingness to meet us in tile matter, which was of such vital importance to the trade of the country. 'Mr. O. W. Russell said tlie stptenumt was reassuring no far as the three steamers in Australia were concerned. There was, however, still room for anxiety as to the possibility, of get'.jng other ships.