ENEMY TRADING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2683, 1 February 1916, Page 6

ENEMY TRADING

THE GOVERNMENT WATCHFUL

STATEMENT BY MR. MASSEY

The Prime Minister, the Right Hon. • I' 1 . Massoy, made a further statemoil,t to a reporter yesterday ou the subject of enemy trading. ''There lias been a good deal of talk recently," said Mr. Alassey, "on the question of trading with the enemy, and some people seem to imagine it is a case for extra Customs duties. As a matter of fact, it is nothing of the sort. Trading with the enemy is, under the Act_ of 1914-15, a very serious offencc, mmishable by fine or imprisonment. The Act says:— 'Every person who during the present war trades or attempts to trade with the enemy or conspires with another person to trado with" the enemy shall bo guilty of ail indictable offence, and shall bo liable to imprisonment with or without hard labour for a term not exceeding five years, or to a. fine not exceeding £1000, or to both imprisonment and fine. Any body corporate so offending shall be liable 011 indictment to a fine not exceeding £5000.' lhat is the law as it stands at present, so far as trading with the onemj is concerned. "Since the war commenced there have been two cases before the Courts, and both cases convictions have been obtained. Speaking generally, it may bo said that since the outbreak of war tlio merchants and traders of New Zca~ land have kept within the law, and have exhibited a desire to help the Government to detect illegal trading. It is necessary that vigilance should still bo exercised for the enemy is full of ingenuity. Merchants, traders, and chambers of commerce should ■understand that the Government will always be glad to receive any information which would suggest that trading with the enemy is being indulged in by any person residing in New Zealand. Certain proclamations and regulations concern- . trading have been issued. \Ye near it asserted from time to timo that onemy trading is going on, but little or no evidence is offered. There may be a smjJl amount of trading through neutral countries, but it cannot, bo more than_ infinitesimal. But wo want to stop it altogether if it is possible to do so."