ANTI-TRUST BILL.

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 119, 15 December 1905, Page 2

ANTI-TRUST BILL.

Telegraph Press Association Copyright Received Dec 15, 9.15 a.m. Melbourne, This Day. During the second reading debate in the Anti-Trnst Bill the Attorney. General declared the Bill was intended to be far-reaching, because the evils against which he had to cope were far reaching. Mr Watson, ex-Premier, declared it was increasingly evident that society will be compelled by some means or other to take steps to curb the increasing power which was being vested in the hands of a few individuals. There were numberless cases in Australia where th 6 larger trades bad bumped out the smaller and raised prices. He trusted that the general principles of the Bill would be affirmed. One matter requiring urgent attention was the shipping ring, which fleeced both consumers and producers by an ingenious system of rebates. The Tobacco Company and the Sugar Company should also be dealt with. He opposed entrusting the selection of the Board to a Minister. No one of less standing than a Supreme Court Judge should be appointed. He advocated a longer time for the public to consider the Bill. Nothing could be done re the American harvesters for six months, and the matter could be considered during the recess. In Committee on the Anti-Trust Bill, Mr Storrer moved the postponement of the measure in order to allow time for future consideration. Mr Deakin pleaded "against the postponement, After considerable discussion a postponement was agreed to, Mr Deakin announcing that it would be the first measure next session,