TRANSHIPPED CARGO

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2234, 21 August 1914, Page 6

TRANSHIPPED CARGO

FROM CAPTURED GERMAN STEAMERS

UNFAIR TAX ON CONSIGNEES

'• A mercantile people are somewhat concerned at present on. mpount of the cargo which has been forwarded'to them in German vessels which have been held as prizes in 'Australian' and prqbably in.other.ports. This cargo is now beginning to come forward in other steamers, but what consignees are concerned about is the matter of the payment of the cost of transhipment, which in some cases will amount to a very considerable amount. The.matter has been brought under the notice of tho Prime Minister, who is considering'the point faised. -, '. , .. : .■ ; The Wellington: Chamber of..Cpmmerce' has-considered' the;matter at a' special meeting, .when it was agreed.that this collection: of transhipment charges involved a hardship' and injustice ;tp the New Zealand owners-of the'goods., The" goods are;on through bills of lading to New Zealand, are , in some instances already paid for, and in others already sold to arrive.' ' : ; ' ,',. :.*' . The Prime Minister has been informed that the cost of transhipment in Australia and forwarding to New Zealand will be anything from 20s. to 30a. per ton, and this means a direct loss to' the New Zealand consignees. "It is strongly felt here," states the Chamber of Commerce in a letter to Sir. Massey, ' that this loss should become a 'charge on the German boat. In ordinary course such boats will be sold by the Prize Court; and we would suggest that you urge upon the Australian Government to accept such costs as a charge .on ■the proceeds of the Bales of the boats, so that a refund could afterwards be made to the consignee here., "If you can obtain such an assurance from the Australian Government, we will ask consignees here to obtain certified copies ,of the amounts they have paid, and would suggest that they might forward them to' one of your Departments for collection in Australia. "It was our desire to place this mat ter before you in a personal interview, but we understand that the heavy pressure on your time makes it inconvenient. We would, however, be glad to haro an opportunity of explaining our view at greater length if you could afford us an opportunity." The letter ie signed by the president (Mr. 0. W. Jones). ■■■■■■'..•■