THE CUSTOMS AND SHIPS' STORES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11842, 20 December 1901, Page 5

THE CUSTOMS AND SHIPS' STORES.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—CopytiS 111, Sydney, December 19. The Customs authorities state that unless an unconditional guarantee is given and the penalties incurred are paid no permit will be issued allowing the Prinz Regent Luitpold to continue discharging. The reply of the German Government to " the, ConsulGeneral's communication is awaited with much interest. It is understood the German Imperial authorities will refer the matter to Mr. Chamberlain. The French boats are as much .interested as the Germans, and the statement is made that the French are backing up the Germans in the matter. •

(Received December 20, 12.33 a.m.) Sydney, December 19. In response to the request of the consignees to be allowed to get delivery of goods urgently required for. the Christmas trade, the Federal Minister of Customs permitted the Prinz Regent Liutpold to commence discharging her cargo unconditionally. This permission will in no way interfere with any future action that may be taken in reference to the. breaking of the Customs seals. The agents of the North German Lloyd's have received a message from Fremantle stating that the Neckar, which recently left Sydney en route for Germany, lias been detained. It is understood that the detention is the result of breaking the seals.

Melhoukne, December 19.

. In the District Court three charges were laid against the captain of the Prinz Regent Liutpold ; for alkged infringement of the Customs Act in regard to ships' stores. The hearing was ar'J: .irned till December 30. Adelaide, December 19. In connection with the steamer Sonneberg the captain gave a guarantee prior to leaving Fremantlo that duty would be paid on all stores consumed en route.