GERMAN BOYCOTT’ CAMPAIGN

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 August 1935, Page 9

GERMAN BOYCOTT’ CAMPAIGN

BANKRUPTCY AS SEQUEL LONDON, June 26. The results of a boycott campaign against German goods was described in the London Bankruptcy Court yesterday, when an application was made to Mr. Registrar Mellor for the discharge of Walter Joseph Webber, of Southwark Bridge-road, S.E., bankers’ and shippers’ agent, who. was adjudged bankrupt on March 6. Tho Assistant Official Receiver said the ranking liabilities were estimated at JC7.46J). There were no assets. Mr. Webber had stated in evidence that until 1919 ho followed no occupation. During the war, owing to heart trouble, ho was not accepted for military service, but did voluntary work. In 1919 he began business as a merchandise disposals expert. In April, 1933, he decided to light "tho Hitler regime of persecution of Jews in Germany,” on which he felt very keenly, and devoted most of his time to a movement which he fotinde known as Capt. Webber’s British Boycott Organisation. As about 85 per cent, of the goods in which he dealt were of German origin, he re-, turned largo quantities, and in May, 1933, practically ceased business. He attributed his insolvency to the cost of tho boycott campaign, expenses and liabilities in connection | with which he estimated at £10,229. Mr. Registrar Mellor said whether, Mr. Webber had been too zealous in! his boycott campaign he (the Registrar) did not know. The unfortunate aspect of it was that over £5,000 was owing to Mrs. Webber, who helped him for a time, but then took rather strong measures to show her disapproval. It was, however, now said that she did not intend to lodge a claim for tho £s.oim.

In the peculiar circumstances his discharge would be suspended for only one month.