WOOL, SKINS, AND GERMANS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 26, 25 October 1917, Page 6

WOOL, SKINS, AND GERMANS

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE

WOOL VALUERS' FEES

The following series of questions were ftddrcesed to the Prime Minister in the House of Bepreeentatives by Mr. J. V. Brown:— '

(1) Whether it is a. fact that a quantity of wool bought by a supposed German firm is still in Hew Zealand and not yet taken by tie New Zealand Government?

(2) Whether it is a fact that some of the Government woot-valuere are the same men who bought for German firms and are now drawing the larße salaries mentioned?

(3) Whether it is a. fact that in addition to the very large salaries paid the valuers they are claiming a commission on their purchases? U).- Whether it is a fact that twentyfivß men draw .£50,000 per annum, with motor-hire, special trains, and clerical work in addition?

(5) Whether it is a fact that a number of these so-called specialists are shirking their duty? (6) Whether it is a fact that one firm has five of its staff on as valuers and inspectors and at the same time fellmongering and scouring wool on account of the Government? (7) Whether it is a fact that the Australian Government did not interfere with the purchase of sheepskins aad oddments of wool, but has taken all tho wool when .prepared by fellmongere and loft a free market, not closing up the business of men in the trade as has been done in New Zealand. Mr. Massey's Reply. Mr. Massey replied seriatim:— (1) A parcel of greasy wool waa purchased in October-November. 1915, by a, local representative of an English woolbuying house ou account of a German firm in America. Owing to an embargo bsing_ place on the export of. wool to the United States of America, the shipment of this wool wa held up. Subsequent to tho requisitioning of the 1916-17 wool clip by the Imperial Government, the War Office was asked for instructions regarding the disposal of this woo!, and directed that facilities should be given to ship it to London. When shipping space is available the directions of the War Office will be given effect to. (2) It is possible that, prior to the outbreak of war, English firms, which were represented by several of the preBent wool-valuers, carried out buying on commission on behalf of German firms. It is understood that these connections ceased shortly after the outbreak of war. Before the tvool-valnere were appointed representing the British interests, their names were submitted and approved by the Imperial Government (3) Prior: to the requisitioning of the wool on behalf of the Imperial Government, a number of the wool-valuers had, acting on behalf of their principals, entered into contracts! with growers to purchase wool of the. 1916-17 clip. TO. requisition of wool by the Imperial Government prevented .wool-buyers from shipping any purchases made prior to the date of the requisition. In cases where purchases had taken place, endeavours were made to induce growers to agree, to the cancellation of the contracts entered into. In a few instances growers consented, but the majority refused, and the Imperial Government then decided to take over the wool concerned at the contract prices agreed upon between the buyers and the wool-growers, plus commis-, Sl (4) The remuneration to wool-valuers, approved by tho Imperial Government, for their services in connection with the valuation of the 1916-17 ohp was #5,000, plus clerical assistance and locomotion expenses. A special train was engaged to convey valuers from Wellington to NaPler to carry out the first «jh«*«m °' ■wool at the latter place. Owing to the Congestion at brokers' stores throughout the Dominion this course was deemed necessary in order to expedite the completion 6f the final arrangements in conSection with the inauguration of the "pTne Government is not ware that any of the wool-valuers are shirking their military obligat ons Four valuers hold exemptions until called up by the British military authorities, (6) Five of the staff employed as winere and inspectors, who were associated with a wool-buying firm prior to the wool requisition scheme coming into force, are now employed by the Imperial Government under the wool requisition scheme. The employment of these men rendered it necessary 'that they should sever their connection with their previous employer. (7.) The is aware _of the arrangements existing in Australia with regard to sheepskins and wool oddments. The position in New Zealand is that all wool and sheepskins (with the exception .of skins derived from stock slaughtered for export at freezing works) were requisitioned at the request of tho Imperial Government. Provision has also been made to license fit and proper pe , '- sons to purchase sheepskins and wool oddments for subsequent sale to tlio Government through a rojistered Government broker. The Government is not in sympathy with the present scheme dealing with sheepskins, and eome time ngo made representation to the War Office on the matter. The Wnr Office, however, desired that the scheme shonld continue for the present.