QUESTIONS REGARDING GERMANS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10117, 26 October 1917, Page 3

QUESTIONS REGARDING GERMANS.

MR MASSEY'S REPLY, (Fboh Oob Pablumentary Rkpo&tbbJ \\ ELLINGTON, Oct. 24. Mr Brown (Napier) asked l.ho Prime Minister: (1) Wlicthcr it is a fact thut a Quantity of wool bought by ;i supposed German linn is still in Now Zoo laud and not yet taken by lite New Zealand Government? (2) Whether it. is a fuct thut some of the Government wool-valuers aro the same men who bought for Gorman firms and arc now drawing ilie large salaries mentionedV (3) Whether il is a fact that in addition to the very large salaries paid tin' valuers they are claiming a commission on their ajurduises? (4) Whether it is a [act that 25 men draw £50,000 per annum, with motor-hire, special Irnins, and clerical work in addition? (5) Whether it is a fact that a number of these so-called specialists arc shirking their duty? (6) Whether it is a fact that one firm lias five of its stall on as valuers and inspectors and at the same time fcllmongering and scouring- wool on account of the Government? (7) Whether it is a fact that the Australian Government did not interfere with the purchase of sheep-skins and oddments of wool, but lias taken all the wool when prepared b.y fellmongors and left a free market, not closing up the business of men in the trade as lias been done in New Zealand-.'

The Right, Hon Mr Massey (Prime Minister) replied: (1) A parcel of greasy woo] was purchased in October-November, 1915, l,v a local representative of an English woftl-buyin,!,' house on account, of a German linn in "America. Owing to an embargo lieing placed on the export of wool to the United States of America, the shipment of this wool was held up. Subsequent 1.0 ihc iequisitioning of the 1916-17 wool clip by the Imperial Government, the War Office was asked for instructions regarding the disposal of this wool, and directed that facilities should he given to ship it to London. When shipping space is available the directions of the War Office will be given effect to. (2) It is possible that, prior to the outbreak of war, English linns, which were represented by several of the present wool-valuers, carried out buying on commission on behalf of German firms It is understood thai these connection.' ceased shortly after the outbreak of War. Before the wool valuers were appointed representing the British interests, their names were submitted and approved by the Imperial Government. (3) Prior to the requisitioning of the wool on .behalf of the Imperial Government, a number of the wool-valuers had, acting on behalf of their principals, entered into contracts with -rower, to purchase wool of the 1916-17 clip. The requisition of wool by the Imperial Government prevented wool buyers from shipping' any purchases made prior to the date "of the requisition. In cat- where purchases had taken place, endeavours wore made to induce growers to agree to the cancellation of the contracts entered into. In a. few instance grower.- consented, but the majority refused, and the Imperial Government*then decided lo lake over the wool concerned n( the contract prices u-i-ced upon between the buyers and the Wp'ol-growers, plus commission. (1) The remuneration to wool valuers, approved by the Imperial Government, for their services in connection with the valuation of the 1910.-17 clip was. £45.000, plus clerical assistance and locomotion expenses. A special train was engaged to convey valuers from Wellington to Napier lo earn out (he first valuation of wool al the latter place. Owing to the congestion al broker.-' store.-- throughout the Dominion this course was deemed necessary in order to expedite the completion of the final arrangements in connection with the inauguration of the scheme. (5) The Government i- not aware Iha I any of the wool valuers are shirking their military obliga-i (ions. k'our valuers hold exemptions tin til called up by the British military authorities. (G) Five of the staff employed as valuers: and inspectors, who were associated with a wool-buying linn prior to jhc woo! requisition scheme coming into force, are now employed by the Imperial Government under the wool requisition scheme'. The employment of these men rendered it neeessarj thai they should sever their connection with their previous employer. (7) The Government ia aware of the arrangements existing in Australia with regard to sheep-kins and wool oddments. The position in New Zealand is that all wool and sheepskins (with the exception of skint derived from sink slaughtered for export at freezing works) wen- requisitioned al the request of the Imperial Government. Provision has also been made to license tit and proper persons to purchase sheepskin, and wool oddments for subsequent sale to the Government through a registered Government broker. The Government, is not in sympathy with the present scheme dealing with sheepskins, and some, time ago made representation to the War! Office on the matter- The War Office, however, desired that the scheme should continue for the present.