[Page 153]
Sydney,
8th Decr. 1914.
Hamburgische Sudsee A.G. Hauptfiliale,
Rabaul
Dear Sirs;
Re copra per "Matunga".
From your letter dated Rabaul 10th Novr., we note that you shipped by the "Matunga" about 325 tons copra, consigned to order, and that Messrs. Burns, Philp & Coy. Ltd. have a lien on the copra to the extent of £2635-12-10 stg. We informed Messrs. Burns. Philp & Coy Ltd. that we are going to pay this amount and obtain delivery of the copra, but were then advised by them that they were not in a position to deliver the shipment to us, and that the matter had been submitted to the Comptroller General at Melbourne for his decision. We have also since been informed that the matter is also under consideration of the Attorney General, and we regret to say that up to the moment of writing we are without advice of a decision having been arrived at.
We are at a loss to understand how any question as to delivery of the copra could have arisen, and hope that the decision will be that the copra is to be delivered to us unconditionally on payment of Messrs. Burns, Philp & Coy's lien and freight charges. We may also mention that space for the copra has been engaged for Liverpool by a Steamer that will leave Sydney within a week, and if we have to wait much longer for the decision of the authorities, we shall loose the opportunity of shipping, and shall most likely be forced to incur heavy expenses for extra handling and storing. Referring to the arrangement made as mentioned in our last of the 24th ult., we beg to advise that the copra will be shipped to Liverpool for sale through Messrs. J. Rayner & Coy., and that an advance in the shipment will be made to us in Sydney, which will then be placed to the credit of your acount.
We have also been advised by Messrs. Burns, Philp & Coy. Ltd. that they are in receipt of information via wireless from Rabaul, according to which the S.S. "Morinda", which is due to arrive Sydney about the 18th instant, has on board for your account 262 tons copra, and we shall deal with this parcel in the same manner, namely dispose of it through Messrs. J.H. Rayner & Coy., Liverpool.
We are,
Dear Sirs,
Yours faithfully,
gez. Justus Scharff Ltd