H.—3BA

6

From Right Hon. the Prime Minister (o High Commissioner for New Zealand. 6th January, 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. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 26th January, 1915. With reference my telegram of 6th January: 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. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 26th January, 1915. In reply to your telegram of 26th January: "Muritai" has been injured in collision. Now at dry dock. Expect to leave dock about 13th February. After coaling hopes to sail about 20th February. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 15th February, 1915. Please advise when " Muritai " will be able sail for New Zealand. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 15th February, 1915. Referring to your telegram of 15th February : " Muritai " now coaling. Expects to leave 17th February. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 19th February, 1915. " Muritai " sailed to-day for New Zealand. S.S. "HORORATA." From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 23rd December, 1914. Have seen New Zealand Shipping Company, which may be induced to send out " Hororata " in ballast via Suez Canal middle of January. Terms, .£lO,OOO. Telegraph instructions. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to Acting Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia. 6th January, 1.91.5. Am advised steamer " Hororata " been requisitioned for another voyage from Australia, she to be delivered Melbourne last week in March. Would it be possible for your Government to allow this steamer proceed direct to New Zealand load frozen meat before proceeding Australia? Understand in all probability meat export from Australia will be much diminished by end March. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Bth January, 1915. Have applied to High Commissioner for Australia to allow "Hororata" load meat in New Zealand prior calling for troops in Australia for Egypt. From Acting Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Ilth January, 1915. Referring your cablegrams sth and 6th January respecting steamer " Hororata " being made available for loading frozen meat from New Zealand: Regret local demand for space and exigencies transport service preclude compliance request. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to Acting Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Australia. 28th January, 1915. On 6th instant I telegraphed you specially in respect of " Hororata," which I 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 11th instant I had your reply intimating local demand and exigencies transport. precluded compliance with request. Owing to strong representations made by producers and owners of vessels that 1 should again approach you to release the vessel, I do so, having personally satisfied myself of the extreme urgency which exists for additional refrigerated space to be provided immediately. lam informed that the owners of the vessel have arranged for it 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 despatch here.