CARGO PILLAGING

Evening Star, Issue 24283, 26 August 1942, Page 4

CARGO PILLAGING

SERIOUS LOSSES IN BUSINESS The pillaging of cargo was again brought up at the monthly meeting of tne Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last night, when support for the Canterbury Chamber in its resolution to the Government was forthcoming. The president (Mr C. ill. Begg) stated that the secretary had been instructed to gather what details he could relevant to the matter, and the figures the latter would read threw a rather startling light on the situation. The secretary then gave some details which disclosed that one importin''' house had lost goods to the value of“£l(3o through pillaging. These included hosiery and drapery goods, while another firm was the loser ol goods to the value of £204. Some £328 was the estimated loss of about a dozen other firms, in amounts ranging from £lO upwards in cigarettes and other articles, many of which are imported from overseas. Those figures touched only upon'the fringe of the matter, for certain Interests which could give information would not do so, the Secretary said. There was also the instance of a ease of gloves being imported from overseas. After arrival in Wellington 20 pairs, valued at 15s each, were stolen. The Customs authorities rewired the case and sealed it, but by the time it reached Dunedin it had again been pillaged, and at the wharves the men refused to handle it. It was then ascertained a further 90 pairs had been taken from the case. Only that dav, added the Secretary, a roll of calico had been stolen from the wharf sheds. , The' situation which had been disclosed in Dunedin was a scandal and a disgrace, Mr Bogg said. “ I feel we cannot let the matter pass without some motion being passed supporting the Canterbury Chamber in its protest to the Government, and asking for an .investigation.” A motion supporting the Canterbury Cliamber was then carried, and the secretary was instructed to continue with his inquiries.