ENEMY TRADE

Southland Times, Issue 17657, 15 February 1916, Page 5

ENEMY TRADE

DEPUTATION TO THE GOVERNMENT. MINISTERS SYMP AT HE TIC. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 14. A deputation representing the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand interviewed the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and tiie Hon. A. M. Myers this afternoon with regard to the recommncdations of the recent Chambers of Commerce relative to enemy trade. The point was particularly stressed that when the war was over there should not be the same facilities for the enemy to acquire the trade of the dominion which were possessed before. 'Die Ministers each gave a sympathetic reply. Mr Massey pointed out that the legislation last session gave power to add a Customs duty up to a 0 per cent, on enemy good after the war was over. Sir Joseph Ward, among other matters touched upon, mentioned that if enemy ships were prevented from coaling at British possessions it would be a great embargo on their trade after the war. The Ministers were unsympathetic in regard to a suggestion for remitting income taxation on gifts for patriotic purposes. WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING. HON. A. L. HERDMAN’S STATEMENT. AMPLE POWERS TO COPE WITH SITUATION. NO ILLEGAL BUSINESS GOING OX. THE INTERNMENT OF ALIENS. WELLINGTON, February 14. “I am satisfied that every care is taken to detect enemy trading,” said the Attorney-General to-night, in the course of a statement with regard to the allegation that enemy trade with New Zealand is still proceeding in spite of the Acts tind Orders-in-Council. The Minister added that the powers at the disposal of the Government appeared to be ample, and the precautions taken to be adequate. Ho proceeded to survey the existing legislation on the subject, and to trace the steps that had been taken by the New Zealand Government. ■When war broke out between Great Britain and Germany, trading with the enemy was not an offence in New Zealand,” lie said. "The Criminal Code Act passed in .1 893, now the Crimes Act of 1908, had in effect abolished common law offences, so on the 4th August, 1914, wo had no power to interfere with persons who traded with the enemy. it, therefore, became necessary to devise legislation which would enable the State to put a stop to any attempt at commercial intercourse with persons residing in the enemy’s country, and wo passed a law founded upon proclamations relating to trading with the enemy issued by the King after the outbreak of war. The Trading With the Enemy Act. 1914, makes trading with the enemy as described in the King’s proclamation of September 9th, 1914, and in other proclamations in substitution thereof or in amendment or extension thereof, tin offence liable to imprisonment for five yours, or to a tine not exceeding flooo, or both. To such imprisonment and such fine a body corporate is liable on indictment to a fine not exceeding £5000." Mr Hardman explained the provisions of the New Zealand Acts and proclamations He stated that in the case of goods coming to New Zealand from Great Britain or from any other British possession, wo have reason to know that the Board of Trade and British Customs officers in oilier purls of the world are constantly on the look-out for illegal trading, and we are from time to time notified by the Imperial authorities of persons and firms in neutral countries who are known to have enemy sympathies, and with whom this country is warned not to have dealings. ’’Since the oiithrcak of the war _ 220 cases of suspicious trading have been investigated. In eleven case's warrants wore issued authorising inspection or seizure uf the books under sect ion 0 of the Trading With 1 h.i* Enemy Act. 1911. IToceedings were instituted again-t two persons and convictions wore obtained in both cases.”

"I have been informed by the Defence Authorities that 3.1.3 enemy subjects have been interned in Xew Zealand since the commencement of hostilities. 3Sfi I ( wsoms are still prisoners of war, IT persons ha\c been released on parole, and 11 per-ons are at present on pa role."

Kncmy subjects have been removed from the public service and cases of 3l> alleged enemy subjects have been investigated by the Aliens Board since the time il was created. Lastly the police have received (dear and preeise insi rnel ions in watch enemy .subjects closely, and to report immediately should anything suspicious come to their knowledge about the business or habits of enemy subjects. From inquiries made by me on all side 1 am sal islied that every care is taken to delect enemy trading and that we have ample power to deal with the offence as it is defined by the Imperial Government. and that little if any business which is illegal escapes the watchful eye of the \ew Zealand Giistoiiihouso oflicers and the censor. If existing machinery is insnllicient, il can he added to and improved very easily, and that will most certainly he done if the Government has the least cause to suspect that if,, enemy is getting any advantage, and ; f any ■animation is triveti to ns by the Imperial Government that any extension of pur present law would he of advantage to the Empire."