CONTRACTS UNDER WAR CONDITIONS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16472, 15 March 1919, Page 8

CONTRACTS UNDER WAR CONDITIONS.

A DIFFICULT POSITION

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) ' "WELLINGTON, March 14. A deputation representing the British Manufacturers' and Agents' Association interviowed the Minister of Munitions, and Supplies in connexion with contracts entered into with local bodies in various parts of the Dominion, under wtir conditions. Contracts had been let early in tfce war for machinery, and tho orders were accopted by firms in England. The Now Zealand agents wero advised later that, owing to the war conditions, these orders could not be filled, permission to manufacture being unobtainable from tho British Ministry of Munitions. About six months ago permission was granted, but tho manufacturing firms then advised their New Zealand representatives that prices would have to be greatly increased, otherwise the orders must bo cancelled. Now the Now Zealand representatives were called upon to carry out the contracts atthe original prices. The Minister, in replying, said the difficulty presented was not easy of' solution. Tho arrangements had beon made during the war, and tho responsibility was on those entering into the contracts to see that they safeguarded themselves. The question was whether the Government was prepared to take any action that would assist in bringing about a settlement. He would discuss the matter with tho Attorney-General, and subsequently place it before Cabinet. The Governmont had considered 'tho question when the legislation of 1917 was framed, but that only affected New Zealand contracts.