THE GERMAN METAL OCTOPUS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2571, 20 September 1915, Page 6

THE GERMAN METAL OCTOPUS

CUTTING ITS TENTACLES By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, September 17. In the Prize Court the Crown claimed condemnation of 6710 tons of spelter on board the Bilbstor, which tho Australian Metal Company had consigned to Merton and Co., hut which was really intended for Germany. Sir F. "E. Smith, K.C.', on behalf of tho Crown, said the Metal Gessellschaft of Frankfort; tlio Beer Sondlieimer Company '.of Frankfort, and Aaron Hirscli und Solin, of Halberstant, were interested in tho cargo. . These three firms dominated tho baso metals market —a remarkable instance of the manner in which the German \ octopus had thrown, out its tentacles. The Court had to decide whether J. and M. Gurin, owners of the Bilbster, should bo allowed to claim £7646 freight. Tho Crown resisted the claim, because Merton and Co., although they knew tho oaTgo was for an enemy destination, attempted to avert capture. Mertons had paid 'the shipowners £5000 on- account _ of freight, and as that company had given no assistance, and had attempted to deceive tlio Crown, counsel also objected to Merton and Co.'s claim. Tho hearing was adjourned.