SPELTER INTENDED FOR GERMANY.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 6492, 20 September 1915, Page 4

SPELTER INTENDED FOR GERMANY.

■ —-.— .-+ ~_ s How the German Octopus

Works.

Rec Sept 18, 12.20 p,m. London, Sept 17. In the Prize Court the' Crown claimed the condemnation 0f£6710 tons of spelter aboard the steamer Bilbster, which the Australian Metal Company consigned to the Merton Company but was really intended for Germany. Sir F. E, Smith, on behalf of the Crown, said that the Metal Geselleschaft of Frankfort, the .Beer Sondheimer Company of Frankfort, and Am Hirsch and Sohn of Halberstadt, were interested in the cargo. These three firma'dominated the base metals market,fand it was a remaikable instance [of the manner in which the German octopus threw out its tentacles The Court'had to decide whether J. and M. Gunn, owners of the Bilbster, were able to 'claim' £7,546 sterling freight. The Crown resisted because Mertone, although they knew the cargo was for an enemy destination, attempted to avert capture and paid the shipowners £5,000 on account of freight. As Mertons gave no assistance and attempted to deceive the Crown h« also objected (o their claim. . The case was adjourned.