TRADING WITH THE ENEMY

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9092, 10 July 1915, Page 9

TRADING WITH THE ENEMY

GERMAN COMPANIES IN NEW ZEALAND. The Trading with tho Enemy Bill was returned from the Legislative Council with an amendment limiting the operation. of the bill to August Ist, 1916, instead of to the close of the war.

. The leader of the Opposition eaid the amendment was not a desirable on sinco the war might conceivably be over before August next. Mr Wilford (Hutt) said that he had placed on record during the debate on the bill a list of German firms which were operating under British names and he had asked if those firms were trading in New Zealand. He had made particular reference to the British Mannesman Tube Company, a German firm which had works in Germany as well as in Britain. _ That firm was doing business in New Zealand and he wanted to know, if it was _ still selling in the Dominion goods which had been manufactured in Germany. The firm had offered in March, 1914, to supply the Wellington City Council with goods made at "Continenal works." The Minister for Internal Affairs had set on foot police inquiries, but the House should have precise information, The Prime Minister said the whole object of the bill was to prevent trading with the enemy. He thought the Government would be able to supply information on the point mentioned 1 when the bill came up again. Consideration of the .Council’s amendment was postponed until next sitting day.