SUPPLIES TO GERMAN WARSHIPS IN WELLINGTON.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3240, 8 December 1880, Page 3

SUPPLIES TO GERMAN WARSHIPS IN WELLINGTON.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—ln the "New Zealand Herald," dated 2nd December, 1880, I notice a paragraph, quoted from the " Wellington Times," drawing attention to the fact that the German warship, Nautilus, during her stay in Wellington had purchased stores in that city at considerably less cost than the price charged them in Auckland, and also stating that her commander had sent a recommendation to his naval superiors for Wellington to be made the port of call for New Zealand. As I believe that the orders for victualling the German war-ships have been confined to the German traders of Auckland, the prices charged cannot have been snbmjtted to general competition, and I think it would in all cases be better if captains ot, not only German, but English men-of-war, were to

advertise for tenders for the supply of stores, as this would save them endless trouble and expense. With reference to the Nautilus case in particular, it remains with the several German houses here to clear themselves of the stigma which has been cast upon them. I would have written on this matter before, but hoped an abler pen than mine would stand up for the honour and integrity of Auckland merchants, who, like true Britishers, treat all men alike, be they German or English. The German commanders, it seems, may well exclaim, " We went toour own countrymen and they took us in." Apologising for trespassing so much on your space, but hoping you will look upon it as 1 do,—l remain yours, obediently, MERCATOH.