FINAL INCIDENT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 129, 28 February 1940, Page 8

FINAL INCIDENT

ATTORNEY AND JUDGE WHAKATANE MILL INQUIRY; A statement that the company would be unable, to carry on beyond the end of this week Avas made by the New Zealand attorney, Mr H. A. Horrocks, at the conclusion of the hearing of the application by Whakatane Paper Mills, Limited, to the Price Investigation Tribunal for permission to increase cardboard prices. This statement came most unexpectedly and was in reply to a question by Mr W., Perry, for users of Whakatane card board, as to the position of orders lodged pending the tribunal's de-

cision. "We are losing money and havebeen losing it for so long that we are used to it," said Mr Horrocks. "Unfortunately, our creditors—" Mr Justice Hunter, president of the tribunal-: What has this to do with the tribunal? Mr Horrocks replied that Mr Perry had asked the question and he was giving him the position. "The company cannot carry on beyond the end of this week," said Mr Horrocks. "Then we will have finished all our orders for the Jan-uary-February cycle and will have to close down." His Honor: "I think you are illadvised to make this little speech. You have got from the tribunal all you require and jioav it has to adjourn . Further Statement Stopped Mr Horrocks rose to make some further statement when ilis Honor said: "Oh, Mr Horrocks, I do not think you ought to make another speech. You have counsel, you know." Mr H. P. Richmond, lending covin sel for the company, had already left the inquiry, but Mr W. G. CI avis, second counsel, said endeavours were being made in the interim to come to some anangement. as boxmakers realised it was difficult for the company lo carry on. There were several witnesses before the evidence was concluded and the remainder of the day was occupied with the addresses of Dr. N. A. Fodeiv for the Crown, and Mr Richnv-nd, for the company. The tribunal's decision will be given in writing to the parties, who will then confer with accountancy and other advisers. There will then be a further sitlivg of the tribunal to arrive at a final decision.