The Federal customs Act.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3835, 24 December 1901, Page 4

The Federal customs Act.

Sydney, Dec. 21. A feeling, backed to some extent by legal opinion, is pregnant that however legal the Federal Government's position may be in regard to breaking ships' seals as far as British ships is concerned, a new factor comes into the problem when foreign vessels are in the question, while the refusal to allow the discharge of cargo raises an even more debateable point. In reply to a strong protest, Mr Kingston has now informed the German Consul-General that he gave no orders to stop the discharge of Prince Regent Luitpold's cargo. Mr Barton holds that there is no international question involved. The law applies to all vessels, and foreign ships are entitled to no more consideration than British. Perth, Dec. 21. The Neekar's captain gave notice of appeal against his conviction. He deposited £SO as security of the costs of appeal, and was liberated. He was triumphantly escorted to the steamer, and the passengers presented him with a gold locket Melbourne, Dec. 21. Leave has been given to appeal to the Privy (Jouncil against the conviction of the Oceanic for breaking the Customs seals. London, Dec. 21. Count Von Bulow, German Imperial Chancellor, is in communication with Great Britain regarding the prosecutions in Australia of the North German Lloyd's Company's steamer for breaking the Customs seals. TLo Daily Chronicle advises the Commonwealth to amend the Customs Act in order to avoid international complications.