SALE OF ENEMY PROPERTY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2925, 10 November 1916, Page 5

SALE OF ENEMY PROPERTY

METHODS CRITICISED

DEBATE IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Australian-New Zealand Oablo Association, (Reo. November 9, 10.55 p.m.) London, November 9. In the House of Commons, Mr. Leslie Scott (U.) moved in favour of restricting the sale of the enemy's, properties in Crown and protectorates to natural-born Britishers or all-British companies. He disavowed any spirit of antagonism to neutrals, but deplored l the Government's method of selling the r enemy's Nigerian properties, and urged the possibility of the businesses passing into the enemy's hands. The Government was taking the best steps to boom German trade, and had spent much money in advertising these sales amongst neutrals. The question of antitrust legislation and the safeguarding of the natives' rights should wait until we had secured the fruits of the War for the Empire.

Mr. Ronald M'Neill,, (N.) declared that the Government's course was a. direct violation of the Pari® Conference resolution conserving to the Allies their, natural resources for post-war reconstruction. Ho did not want to exclude their Allie| or neutrals, but he felt that these should be reserved ' for British ownership. Mr. Steel-Maitland' (Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Colonies) said that the Government was taking special precautions against enemy ownership. The Government's policy was in accordance with the spirit of the Paris Conference. '

Mr. Scott's motion was defeated' by 231 votes to 117. [Tho Government authorised the sale by auction on October 31 of the enemy properties in Nigoria, representing one and a half millions of capital, and including steamers, wharves, warehouses, and factories, many of which are situated far inland. Before tho-war the German Nigerian trade amounted to £4,000,000 annually.]. BIG SYNDICATE BUYS UP ' WULFING'S. Australian-New Zealand On bin Association. (Rec. November 9, 10.55 p.m.) London, November 9. Lord Rhondda's syndicate has paid £360,000 for the German estate of Wulfing's, manufacturing chemists. The Government has ordered the winding-up of 330 enemy firms. Half of those have been concluded, excepting the collection of outstanding debts. It is understood that Lord Rhondda and British financiers have purchased the British assets of Wulfmg a, manufacturing chemists. The auction salo of tho Bechstein Hall (enemy proporty), including piano stock, the Bechstein Hall, and leasehold properties, realised £56,500. GERMAN PRINCE DIES OF WOUNDS (Reuter's Telegram.) (Rec. November 9, 10.55 p.m.) Amsterdam, .Novembor 9. A from Munich states that Prince Heinrich of Bavaria has died of his wounds,