New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 59, 15 February 1916, Page 6

New Zealand

TRADING WITH THE ENEMY. MINISTERS SYMPATHETIC. JfKtt PRESS AfiSOOIATION. Wellington, February 14. A dep"tftati»tf, repj'kent'ing the, Kxe r cutive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand interviewed. Mr Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr A M. Myers this afternoon, with recommendations of the recent Chambers of Commerce conference relative to enemy trade. The point was particularly stressed- that when the war was over there should not be any_ facilities for the enemy to acquire the trade the Dominions; possessed before the war. ,=- *. . , • The Ministers eacli gave "a sympathetic reply.: Mr Massey pointed,out that the legislation of ,ksf session gave power to add Customs duty up to 50 per cent, on iehemy goods after the war was over. Sir Joseph Ward, -among other matters touched upon, mentioned that if enemy ships were prevented from coaling at British possessions it would be a great embargo on their trade after the.war. The Ministers were, not sympathetic in regard to the suggestion for remitting taxation oh 'gifts for patriotic purposes.

UNPATRIOTIC COUNCILS.

'Wellington, February 14

The Recruiting Board lias forwarded to the Masterton and Waipa County" Councils an answer M their resolutions saving it was impossible for any of their members to avssist in the recruiting movement. The letter expresses concern at the apparent inability of some public boards to realise tlie gravity of the present position, and emphasises in the strongest possible way the opinion that no suggestion of compulsion, should be considered until the voluntary system lias been thoroughly tested and proved inadequate. The'hoard would like to know how tlie voluntary system can possibly be successful if other public bodies and other public men followed a lead so inimical to success as-that set by tlie Masterton and Waipa County Councils.