[Page 90]
(Copy)
BRITISH ADMINISTRATION - GERMAN NEW GUINEA:
Rabaul,
New Britain,
28th October 1914.
The Honorable,
The Minister for Defence,
Melbourne:
Sir;
I have the honor to forward herewith, a report furnished to me by the Supply Officer, in regard to the disposal of the cargo received by the S.S. "Moresby".
Attention is drawn to the fact that the 10 per cent surcharge approved by the Navy Board, has been made by Messrs. Burns, Philp & Coy. Ltd., on the whole shipment including items taken in to the Government Store here for administrative supplies to natives, etc., but in this case no difficulty arises regarding special terms for payment, as in the case of Merchants, the commission in this instance does seem excessive, and it is possible on this being pointed out Messrs. Burns, Philp & Coy. may see their way to reduce.
It is worthy of mention also, that the price of 560 tons of rice landed at Rabaul by Burns, Philp ex "Moresby" is £14-10-8 per ton, whereas a smaller parcel of 5 tons for private persons shipped by Messrs. Aitkin Bros., and just landed ex "Matunga", cost only £12-12-7d per ton.
Of course I realise that the "Moresby's" cargo was an emergency one, shipped in great haste to fill an urgent want, and as the terms and conditions were officially approved before shipment, no doubt there will be a difficulty about any modification of same, but I deem it my duty to draw special attention to the matter.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) William Holmes, Colonel.
Administrator.