"SUPPLIED TO WARSHIPS."

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3241, 9 December 1880, Page 3

"SUPPLIED TO WARSHIPS."

(To the Editor.)

SIR,—I think the letter of "Mercator," on supplies to German warships not only unjust and uncalled for, but an assumption based on very slender ground. The Wellington papers have thoupht proper to puff their port at the expense of the Auck' land merchants, by no means an unusual practica; but aa a matter-of-fact, the Nautilus, after a long stay in Melbourne and Sydney, was only in Wellington some few days, and it is hardly likely after leaving those ports she would require many stores. The officers were entertained by the citizens, and in reply made, as is usual with our German and French friends, some very complimentary remarks, which have boen converted into statements about the particular cheapness of supplies in Wellington. As a matter of fact German officers who hayo visited Auckland for many years past have always expressed themselves in a similar strain, and as perfectly satisfied, and even surprised, at the cheapness of stores, particularly wines, ihd not least water, which is about one-third the price charged in Wellington. I think the endeavour to reilect on tho German metcbants, and to foul our own port, excessive bad taste on the part of your correspondent. All interested cannot have avoided observing their hospitality so liberally ovinced towatds their countrymen upbh all occasions. The remarks made by " Mercator" could only emanate from trade envy. It would bo quito time enough tor such statements when thoso who have visited this port expressed themselves in tlie terms Which your correspondent seeks to infer or to twist tho " after dinner" utterances at the Wellington reception. Aa a rule, tho purchases made by German warships have not been from their own countrymen, "Mercator" must open his purse-stringß to tho extent of paying a boatman to obtain orders or sharo of iho warship's business • and must uot seek to throw dirt on those who do bo, whatovor may be their nationality,—Yours, &c, Fair Play.