WAR CONDITIONS CONTRACTS

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1919, Page 5

WAR CONDITIONS CONTRACTS

A- DIFFICULT PROBLEM. Uy Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A deputation representing the British Manufacturers' and Agents' Association interviewed the Minister of Munition* and Supplies in connection with contracts entered into with local bodies in various parts of the Dominion, under war conditions Contracts had. been let early In the war for machinery, and orders were accepted by firms in England and New Zealand agents were advised later that owing to war conditions the order could not be tilled, permission to manufacture being unobtainable from the British Ministry of Munitions. About six months ago permission was granted, but the manufacturing firms then advised their New Zealand representatives that prices would have to be greatly increased, otherwise the orders must be cancelled. Now ihe New Zealand representatives were called upon to curry out their contracts at the original prices. The Minister, replying, said the difficulty presented was not easy of aolation The arrangements had been made during the war and the responsibility was on those entering into the contraots to see they safeguarded themselves. The question was whether the Government was prepared to take any action that would assist in bringing about a settlement. He would discuss the matter with the Attorney-General, and subsequently place it before Cabinet. The Government had considered the question whether the legislation of 11)17 was framed, but that only affected New Zealand contracts.