H.—3Ba.

20

following for September—" Tongariro," "Port Napier," "Zealandic," "Delphic," "Arawa," " Devon." I have pointed out that above steamers will only load at most 1,400,000 carcases, leaving at least 800,000. in store. In consequence of such representations Tonnage Committee, at request of Board of Trade, cabling Australia asking which steamers arranged for July-August loading can be spared for New Zealand. I had already seen correspondence referred to, and 1 am sending full report by next mail. Refer to my letter 18th May, No. 3109. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 14th July, 1916. With reference to my telegram of 22nd June on the subject of insulated tonnage: Regret to inform you that, notwithstanding urgent representations Tonnage Committee, unable to divert any Australian steamers July-August loading in New Zealand owing to large quantities of Queensland beef available for shipment. Endeavouring to obtain increased tonnage for September. From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New 'Zealand. 21st July, 1916. Recently I asked freezing companies to carefully revise figures respecting killings for August and September which have been previously furnished, so that Board of Trade might be acquainted with position as at end of September. This information is now to hand, and have to advise that, after taking into account -all meat in store plus the killings to end of September, and deducting the meat for which space will be provided in steamers loading in August and September, approximately 1,000,000 60 Ib. carcases will remain for which shipping-space will be, required to clear the stores. Am advised New Zealand Shipping Company are making strenuous efforts to arrange for the diversion of the "Hororata" from Australia to New Zealand. This steamer was built specially for New Zealand trade, but was immediately requisitioned by Commonwealth of Australia. It is pointed out that during her last voyage from Australia to England she carried cargo which in no way represented value to the Empire compared with loading meat in New Zealand. Obliged if you will, firstly, again make representations regarding necessity for clearing freezing-stores before the new season's operations commence; and, secondly, do all possible with object of securing release of " Hororata " for New Zealand trade. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 25th July, 1916. With reference to your telegram of 21st July on subject of insulated space : I had already question of " Hororata " in hand, and prior to receipt of your telegram of 21st July I had made representations to Colonial Office which resulted in Bonar Law cabling to Commonwealth of Australia asking that " Hororata " should be transferred, to New Zealand, in view of the fact meat awaiting shipment urgently required both Allied Forces and for British civil population. Will telegraph as soon as decision arrived at. I have also made urgent representations to Board of Trade and Tonnage Committee asking that September steamers should be added in order to clear stores, and will telegraph as soon as possible result of representations. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 3rd August, 1916. Referring to my telegram of 25th July on subject of tonnage : Government of Australia state that they cannot agree to release of " Hororata," as it is required for military purposes, and they have ample meat to fill the whole of her insulated space. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 4th August, 1916. Referring to my telegram 25th July on subject of tonnage : London Committee state that they have arranged for " Leitrim " to load meat in New Zealand during August; estimated capacity, 3,000 tons. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 24th August, 1916. Refer to Wellington Committee's telegram No. 52 to Tonnage Committee : Board of Trade desire to afford facilities for shipment of dairy-produce, but before deciding in what proportion desire to ascertain estimated increases meat and cheese which will be available for shipment next season, as it is essential that as much or more meat should be shipped in the early part of next season as compared with last season. From High Commissioner for New Zealand to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. 20th September, 1916. Referring to my telegram 24th August, insulated tonnage : Board of Trade anxious for estimates asked for. When may reply be expected? From Right Hon. the Prime Minister to High Commissioner for New Zealand. 30th September, 1916. With reference to your telegram 24th August : Estimates have now been secured from all freezing companies of meat likely to be available for shipment during 1916-17 season—these total 9,500,000 601b. carcases; but this increase on the production of 6,250,000 during 1915-16 season