TRADING WITH THE ENEMY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 739, 23 January 1915, Page 5

TRADING WITH THE ENEMY.

AUCKLAND MERCHANT CHARGED.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

At the Magistrate's Court, Wellington, on Wednesday afternoon, hearing of the charges against Heinrich Wilhelm Msgnus Duerkop, produce merchant, of Auckland, of trading with the enemy was concluded. Duerkop was further cross-examin-ed on letters which had passed between him and Gustav Witt, of Hamburg. One letter contained the phrase: "If damage occurred to goods on the way to Hamburg, the South Eritish Insurance Company would be liable." • Prisoner explained that "Hamburg" was due to a slip of the pen. "Rotterdam" was intended. Anoher letter written by Duerkop stated that Germans in New Zealand were being reproached for the brutalities of German soldiers in Europe. He. himself had to act diplomatically, but he hoped the war would soon end, and the issue bs favourable to Germany. Replying to questions, Duerkop said he had not sent goods anywhere except to a Dutch firm. He had been advised that ha could legally do this. Insurance and shipping companies accepted business to Rotterdam in the ordinary course of trade, and his only object in sanding goods to Holland was to minimise his losses. This concluded the caae, and Duerkop was committed for trial.