PRO-GERMAN SCARE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15506, 17 November 1914, Page 11

PRO-GERMAN SCARE.

DISTURBS DUNEDIN PEOPLE. j r-r; • ] (Per Prsea Association.) ./ DUNEDIN, Nov. 16. | A deputation representing the Dunedin Municipal Association waited upon j the Hon. James Allen last night regarding the presence of pro-Germans in the community. Mr J. ..Connor, president of the Association, was the chief spokesman. He remarked that there was a feeling of unrest regarding those of German nationality and suggested that the Government and local authorities should remove them from positions where they could gain information which they might supply to the enemy. Mr Hut ton referred to the case of the- German Consul, who was a naturalised British subject, and had resigned. He thought something should ho done with regard even to naturalised Germans. He favoured also the confiscation of German capital invested here, which would be following the example set by Germany in France and Belgium. Mr Maitland suggested that one difficulty might be met by compelling naturalised Germans to submit to a re- | obligation test. j In reply the Minister said the police and military authorities were always on ' the watch. He would be glad if any- i one with anything, definite to report j would lay the matter before him as early as possible. Rumour and speculation were not of much value. As for the Consuls the German Government appointed someone already here, perhaps a Britisher, and it would be absurd to arrest such when he' had resigned. The Consuls had given up their documents and were being watched. As for seizing German property it_ was hardly right to deal with it at a time of war, because the difficulties could not be permanently settled. If a case could be found of a German or naturalised German who was disloyal and could be brought under the notice of the authorities they would take action. As to Mr Maitlanii's suggestion, what would be the use of people taking the second oath when they had been unfaithful to-their first? If any case of disloyalty were shown to exist steps would be taken. Mr Maitland: "There will be plenty." Mr Allen: "Then let us have particulars of them." ■ -. 1