TROUBLE WITH THE FEDERAL CUSTOMS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 20 December 1901, Page 4

TROUBLE WITH THE FEDERAL CUSTOMS.

[per press association—copyright.]

Received this day at 10 36 a.m. Sydney, 'December 19#

The Customs authorities state that unless an unconditional guarantee is given and the penalties incurred paid, no permit will be issued allowing the Luitpolu. to continue discharging. The reply of the German Government to the ConsulGeneral’s communication is awaited with much interest. It is understood that the German Imperial authorities will refer the matter to Chamberlain.

The French boats are as much interested as the German, and the statement is made that tho French are backing up the Germans in the matter.

Melbourne, Deo 19,

In the District Court three charges were laid against the Captain of the Luitpold for alleged infringement of the Customs’ Act in regard to the ship’s stores. The hearing was adjourned till December 30th.

Adelaide, December 19,

In connection with the Sonneberg, the Captain gave a guarantee prior to leaving Freemantle, that the duty would be paid on all stores consumed en route. Sydney, Deo 19.

The agents of the North German Lloyds received a wire from Fremantle stating that the Necker, which recently left Sydney en route to Germany, has been detained. It is understood that the detention is the result of breaking the seals.

In response to the request, consignees are to ba allowed to get delivery of goods urgently required for the Christmas trade. The Federal Minister of Customs has permitted the Luitpold to commence discharging cargo unconditionally. This permission will in no way interfere with any future action taken in reference to the breaking of the Customs seals.