GERMAN TRADE MOVE

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14260, 10 January 1920, Page 7

GERMAN TRADE MOVE

B!D FOR COLONIAL MARKETS. FAWNING BUSINESS LETTERS. REBUFF FROM AUCKLAND FIRM. Already the Germans are endeavouring to again make an inroad into Colonial trade, and quite a number of firms report having received fawning letters from German traders with whom they formerly dealt, soliciting the reestablishment of business relations. The Hun was ever wily, and realising, perhaps, that there is a public sentiment in British-speaking countries against any kind of relationship 'with him, he suggests in his business communications that he ’ should not be traded with direct, but through London agents. One such German firm got very poor satisfaction from Messrs Hutchinson Bros., of Auckland, when seeking, in a long letter, recently, a share of their business, and the reply will be calculated to make the Teuton heads of the firm sit up and think. In the course of its communication the German firm in question, Sachische, Emailler and Stanzwerke, of Lauter in Sachsen, got into a long eulogy of their own particular make of goods, and state that they do not wish to cater for direct business with the Dominions, and would like any orders passed through export merchants acting as buying agents. The “letter, in conclusion, emphasises the importance of asking for the famous “Two Swords Brand.” Major Hutchinson replied as follows: “19th December, 1919. Saechische, Emaillier und Stanzwerke, Lauter in Sachsen. ' Reference yours 4165, October 30, 1919. Your brand “Crossed Swords” is an appropriate one, for as long as the writer lives this will be the firm’s attitude towards you and everything German and Austrian. After three and a-half years’ fighting against you as an enemy, with 41 of our employees also assisting, including my two sons, the firm’s policy is so rigid that its doors wall never be renpened to do business with, or trade in, German goods. I sincerely hope that the Government of this country will put such a tariff on all goods manufactured in Germany and Austria that will prevent any merchants importing same. We quite anticipate the usual German methods of trying to evade by shipping through other countries, even as you suggest, through London buyers. There is no necessity to prolong this letter, excepting to say that any further letters will be unanswered: and this is being sent through our London buyers, so that they shall emphatically know our altitude towards you' and everything German. — (Signed) G. R. Hutchinson. (Major, N.Z.E.P.) Further to emphasise the rebuff, Messrs Hutchinson and Son sent the following letter to the London firm mentioned: —“December 12, Dear Sirs. —Yesterday I received enclosed letter. As your name is mentioned by the firm that you should act as buying agents on our behalf, I forward you a copy of letter sent to them. Their letter is very plausible, whereas I think mine will leave no doubt as.lo the position ir which we stand, please under all Circumstances do not waste your time Of rny’ time in m further communications with these two countries, of even of goods suspected of coming from them. You will notice they say they are hoping to hear from me early. While I have given them that satisfaction, this must absolutely end all correspondence. You need not-trouble to forward their reply if such is sent to you. I will deal with other letters concerning shipments of goods to ourselves in a further letter.' —Faithfully yours (Signed), G. R. Hutchinson, Managing Director, This and similar communications having been brought before the notice r.i ■the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association, that body has been moved tc suggest the holding of a mass meeting of citizens to protest against the importation of any German goods, anc also to demand the deportation of al latelv-interned Germans. To this end the sympathy and support of. the Mayor have been sought and a representative deputation waitec '■ upon him and obtained the assurance that he would do everything possibb to get the citizens to rise in a deter mined protest.