UNREST IN DUNEDIN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 148, 17 November 1914, Page 4

UNREST IN DUNEDIN.

PRO-GERMANS IN THB COMMUNITY.

By Telegraph.—Per Press Association Dunedin, Last Night.

A deputation of representatives of the Dunedin Municipal Association waited upon the Hon. James Allen to-night regarding the presence of pro-Germans in the community. Mr, J. C.Connor (president of the'(Association) was tho chief spokesman, lie remarked that there was a feeling of unrest regarding those of German nationality, and suggested that the Government and local authorities should remove them from positions where they eould gain information which they might supply to the enemy.

Air. Hutton referred to the ease of the German Consul, who was a naturalised British subject, and had resigned. He thought something should be done wi regard even to naturalised Germans. He favored, also the confiscation of German capital invested here, which would be following the cxamplo set by Germany in France and Belgium. Mr. Maitland suggested that one difficulty might be met by compelling naturalised Germans to submit to a reobligation test. In reply, the Minister said the police and military authorities were always 011 the watch. He would be glad if anyone with anything definite to report would lay the matter before him as early as possible. Rumour and speculation were not of much value. As for the Consuls, the German Government had appointed someone already here, perhaps a Britisher, and it would be absurd to arrest such when he had resigned. Tho Consuls had given up their documents, and were being watched. As for seizing German property, it was hardly right to deal with it at the time of war, because the difficulties could not be -permanently setled. If a case teould be foir.id of a German or naturalised German who was disloyal, and it could be brought under the. notice of the autho--1 rities, they would take action. As to Mr. Maitland's suggestion, what would I be the use of people taking a second oath when they had hecn unfaithful to their first? If any case of disloyalty were, shown to exist, steps would uc taken. [ Mr. Maitland: There will be plenty.

Hon! Allen: Then let us have particulars of them.