GERMANS IN DUNEDIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 243, 17 November 1914, Page 8

GERMANS IN DUNEDIN.

CITIZENS ANXIOUS.

DISLOYALTY ALLEGED. Press Association. DUNEDIN, November 16. A.' deputation representing the Dunedin Municipal Association waited upon the Hon. Jas. Allen last night regarding the, presence of pro-Germans in the community. Mr J. Connor, president of the association, was the chief spokesman.

He remarked that there was a"ieeling of unrest regarding those of German nationality, and _suggested that the Government and local authorities should remove them from positions where they could gain information which they might supply to the enemy.

Mr Hutton referred to the case of the German Consul, who was a naturalised British subject, and had resigned. He thought something should be done ■with regard even to naturalised Germans. He favoured also the confiscation of German capital invested here, which would be following the example set ;by Germany in France and Belgium. Mr Maitland suggested that one difficulty might be met by compelling naturalised Germans to submit to the reobligation test. In reply, the Minister said the police and military authorities were always on the watch. He would be glad if anyone with anything definite to report would lay the matter before him as early as possible. Rumour and speculation were not of much value. As for the Consuls, the German Government appointed someone already here—perhaps a Britisher, and it would be absurd to arrest such when he had resigned. The Consuls bad given up their documents, and were being watched. If a case could be found of a German or naturalised German who was disloyal, and could be brought under notice of the authorities, they would take action. As to Mr Maitland 'a suggestion, what would be the use of people taking a second oath when they had been unfaithful to their

first. If any .case of disloyalty were shown to exist steps would be taken. Mr Maitland: There will be plenty. Mr Allen: Then let us have particulars of them.