Customs Seals.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 295, 20 December 1901, Page 2

Customs Seals.

THE FEDERAL TROUBLE. j By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Adelaide, Dec. 19. In connection with the Sonneberg, the captain gave a guarantee prior to leaving Fremantle that tho duty would ho paid on all stores consumed on route. Melbourne, Dec. 19. In the District Court three charges were laid against the captain of tho Luitpold for alleged infringement of the Customs Act in regard to ship's stores. The hearing was adjourned till December ilOth. Sydney, Deo. 19. The Customs authorities state that, unless an unconditional guarantee is given, and the penalties incurred paid, no permit will be issued allowing tire Prims Regent Luitpold to continue discharging. The reply of the German Government to the Consul-General’s communication is awaited with much interest. It is under- : stood the German Imperial authorities will refer the matter to Mr Chamberlain, . French boats tiro as much interested as the Germans, and the statement is made [ that the French are backing up tho Ger- . mans in the matter.

CLAMOR OF CONSIGNEES. WANT THEIR CHRISTMAS GOODS. By Telegraph —Press Association—Copyright Received 12.88 a.m., Dee. 20. Sydney, Dec. 19. In response to the request of consignees to be allowed to get delivery of goods urgently required for the Christmas trade, the Federal Minister of Customs has permitted the Luitpold to commence discharging her cargo unconditionally. This permission will in no way interfere with any future action taken in reference to breaking customs seals. The agents of the North German Lloyd’s received a wire from Fremantle stating that tho Necker, which recently left Sydney on route for Germany, lias been detained. It is understood that the detention is the result of breaking seals.