GERMANS MAKE MOST OF TOURISTS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17881, 24 June 1926, Page 15

GERMANS MAKE MOST OF TOURISTS

EXORBITANT CHARGES; TRICKS IN TRADE FOUND BY VISITOR. (Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, June 23. The German leopard has not changed his spots, according to an account given of his trading methods by Mr Charles Chrystall, who was recently abroad. Mr Chrystall also gives some amazing instances df how Germany is taxing the foreigner who enters her borders. While he was in England Mr Chrystall had brought under his notice complaints made by Sheffield manufacturers, who sexlt a deputation to the Chamber of Commerce to make the charge that there was competition of cheap German cutlery, tools, etc., shipped from England with Sheffield goods, in Australia and New Zealand. These goods, it was stated, were imported into Sheffield, repacked by Britishers of Very peculiar patriotism, and sent to other countries as Sheffield products, sometimes being invoiced with real Sheffield-made goods. This seems to : show to what heights Germans will ascend in order to create buying activity and regain their pre-war trade with Australia and New Zealand and other British dominions. “ I spent three months in Berlin,” says Mr Chrystall. “It is a fact that German factories are working night and day at full pressure. In Germany there are no privileges for the visitor. Even in hotels 'one has to pay from 12s to 25s a day for a small room without food. Of course Germans pay considerably less, but for a Briton from £35 to £4O a week would be required for the occupancy of two small rooms with food supplied in English style- Enormous profits are being made from British subjects in Germany.” Mr Chrystall’s bill for roc*m and service for four days at the Hotel Adlon came to £7 15s, the only food provided in this charge being fruit in the morning. In the bill “ extras ” consisted of laundry, telephone and tips, the last mentioned being a charge of 10 per cent on all bills for food and drinks. Charges for food are such as would lead one to imagine there was a siege of Berlin comparable to the siege of Paris, but there is no food shortage in Germany. Items on the accounts for refreshments include 2s fid for a cup of chocolate. 2s Sd for a plate of porridge, 6s fid for six sandwiches, 3s 2d for one piece of cake, 2s 6d for one egg, Is for a lemon, Is for an orange, Is 3d for a glass of iced water and Is 6d for a tomato. Germany used to be one of the cheapest countries in Europe for the tourist, but it is evident that she is now determined to empty the pockets of all visitors and Britons in particular. Such a policy, however, will bring about the inevitable, for with these charges ruling very few people will go to Germany except under pressure of the most urgent business.