METALS CONTROVERSY IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2526, 29 July 1915, Page 6

METALS CONTROVERSY IN AUSTRALIA

MR. HUGHES AND THE ASSOCIATED SMELTERS COMPANIES- REJOINDER By Telegraph—Press Associat.ion-Oo.Errijlvt Melbourne, July 28. The Broken Hill Associated Smelters, in reply to Mr. Hughes's statements, say: "The company was formed only tliis .year, with a capital of £750,000, subscribed by tlio North and South Proprietary Broken Hill Companies and the Zinc Corporation, with the object to smelt and refine the whole of the output of Broken Hill. Under the articles of association foreign shareholders wore prohibited, and no alien was allowed to participate in the management. An indenendent agency was established in London to sell direct to consumers. Tlio board on a number ot occasions refused business with certain London firms, some of which are apparently approved officially. The company claims that all its operations are free from German influenco or control. On Juno 2 it repeated to tlio British Government its offer to sell the whole output at such prices and at such period as the British Government desired. The negotiations were proceeding, it being understood that tho companies offered to accept substantially lower prices than those ruling on the market." The company adds: "Mr. Hughes apparently believes that the Broken Hill Proprietary and the Associated Smelters' Proprietary are really the satfie company. It is a mistake, having such grotesque consequences in his statement .that no reply is necessary, to a number of his allegations.