WAR CONTRACTS

Evening Star, Issue 16993, 15 March 1919, Page 9

WAR CONTRACTS

A deputation representing the British Manufacturers and Agent's Association interviewed the Minister of Munitions and Supplies at Wellington in connection with contracts entered into with local bodies in various parts of the Dominion under war conditions. Contracts had been let early in the war for machinery, and orders were accepted by firms in England. The New Zealand agents were advised later that to the war conditions the orders could not be filled, permission to manufacture being unobtainable from the British Ministry of Munitions. About six months ago permisson was granted, but manufacturng firms then advised the NewZealand representatives that prices would have to be greatly increased otherwise orders must be cancelled. Now the New Zealand representatives were called upon to carry out the contracts at original prices. The Minister, replying, said the difficulty presented was not easy of solution. Hie arrangements had been made during the war, and the responsibility was on those entering into contracts to see they safeguarded themselves. The question was whether the Government was prepared to take any action that would assist in bringing about a settlement. Ke would discuss the matter with the Attorney-general, and subsequently place it before the Cabinet The Government had considered the ques tion when the legislation of 1917 was framed, but that affected only New Zealand contracts