GERMAN BRUTALITIES.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2464, 18 May 1915, Page 3

GERMAN BRUTALITIES.

DOW TO MEET THEM

RESTRICTION OF TRADE PROPOSALS

The following motion stood in the name of Mr. H. G. Hill at the meetiua ijf the .Council of the Central Chamber oi Commerce yesterday:— .'That this Chamber communicate with every Chamber of Commerce, Agricultural, or Pastoral Association, Industrial Association, Trades and Labour C< uncil, Farmers' Union, Patriotic. Society, and other body interested, suggesting that a monster conference be held in Wellington during the sitting of the next Parliament, with the object of—

(a) Deciding what action is best calculated to prevent the. possibility of Germany and Austria trading with New Zealand after the war is over, and, (b) Considering, in view of the deliberate and systematic violation of recognised principles of warfare, the jubilation and official recognition or tha slaughter of defenceless men, women, iand children, the taking the oath of allegiance to the British Empire whilo at the same time remaining German citizens, whether this time has not —rived when we recommend to the Govnment to impose a poll tax of £1000 r each German or .Austrian and that

• > naturalisation papers be granted un- ' ass the applicant has been resident in New Zealand for ten years. In the event of false declaration all property of tho person concerned shall, in addition to any penalty imposed 'by civil or military, be confiscated for the benefit of the State. <

"(c) To present such recommendations >s are agreed to by petition to Parliament backed up by a procession of delegates and the public generally." In support of his motion, Mr. Hill said he thought the time had arrived when they should look after themselves land their own people. He thought that •they should, because of Germany's abominable actions, take some step to prevent Germany trading with New Zealand. He thought the Chamber would agree that the riots that had taken .place were deplorable, but it showed the temper of a certain class of the people, and' the thinking people had agreed ■that the time had arrived to prevent German trading. He had had an antiGerman tradiug pledge sent along to lim, which ho read. There was only tone way to meet the matterand that was to call a meeting to discuss ' it. 'Even in this town' a German trading IheTe had said that the "British Would have to give in to the Germans. The whole subject of tariff anomalies had also to be considered, for it wa6 bristling with difficulties. They had to look the thing squarely in the face. _ If they held a conference he could bring wen to give statements that would '"make their hair stand on end." The naturalisation lawß also, he held, should be made more stringent. They put a poll-tax on the Chiaese, but "the Chinese were gentlemen when compared .With the dastardly,' damnable actions of ithe Germans."

Mr. G. Winder said he would like to Bee a committee of chairmen of Chambers of Commerce set ?ip to put the matter before Parliament. Such things bs fencing wire, etc., came from Germany free of duty. He thought there 'should be a duty on everything, but their Allies should be given a rebate. Mr. Luke thought that if they agreed to he principlo of the resolution they could dccide on what action to take after further discussion with-Mr. A. R. Tennett, Canterbury organiser for the proposed Board of Trade. It was decided to adopt the principle' of the first portion of the resolution (a), but to decide on what action they should take later. The second portion was amended V> read as follows: —"In view of ".he deliberate and systematic violation of recognised principles! or warfare, the jubilation and official recognition ..of the slaughter of defenceless men, women, and children, the taking tlhe oa*Ji of allegiance to the British 'Empire while at the same time remaining German citizens, whether the time las not arrived when we represent to tie Government tlio necessity for' the establishment of some authority •or board of a permanent nature capable of carrying into effect 'the _ wishes of the people and the resolutions of tno Various bodies."

It was resolved that Mr. Sennett be Invited to attend on Monday next and explain to the Chamber the objects and Constitution of the proposed Board of Xrade and Industries for New Zealand.