TO CHECK PILLAGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22510, 13 December 1947, Page 6

TO CHECK PILLAGE

BUREAU_FORMED AUCKLAND ACTION POLICE GIVE ASSISTANCE (P.A.) AUCKLAND Dec. 11. The adoption of a constitution and the beginning of operations oi the anti-pillaging bureau at Auckland was announced by Mr. W. H. Knox at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Mr Knox said representatives from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, the ’ Auckland. Harbour Board, the Bureau of Importers, the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association, the Auckland Retailers’ Association, the Marine Underwriters’ Association, Lloyds Insurance Brokers in New Zealand the Port of Auckland Shipping and Stevedores’ Association, the Auckland Master Carriers’ Association and the Railway Department were working together to clean up at least one epidemic that was creeping into the country. Special Wharf Police Branch The bureau was receiving the close co-operation of the Police Department and a high-ranking officer was a consultant member of the bureau. The wharf police now had its own establishment, and the move should be of great assistance to the bureau. Invitations were being sent to all persons concerned with the receiving or the shipping of goods to join the bureau, he added. About £15,000 bad already been paid out this year in settlement of pillaging claims at Auckland by insurance companies This figure referred to counlry-of-origin values . only, and meant that more than £50,000 worth of imported goods were passing through the black market or illegitimate channels. Mr. Knox said the national aggregate of pillaging per year must be considerable. If that state of affairs were permitted to continue it would not only disrupt the internal economy, but would affect the moral fibre of the Pe i°t P wa; hoped to establish the bureau on a national basis early next year. The chamber agreed to give 20 guineas towards the funds of the bureau.