ALLEGED COMBINE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 November 1924, Page 5

ALLEGED COMBINE.

THE FLOURMILLING CASE

JUDGE RESERVES DECISION. (by tfxegrapf—press association. DUNEDIN, Nov. 7. The tenth day of the flourmilling case proved to be the last. At the conclusion of Mr. Skerrett’s address Messrs Solomon and Myers addressed the Court, Mr. Adams replying for the Crown. Mr. Skerrett, continuing his address, stated that it was no part of the Distributors’ scheme to remove the right to choose brands of flour, hut there were periods when it was impossible to supply the brands ordered, when the'se were rationed, generally speaking. There were difficulties in 1923 which disappeared in 1924. Dunedin and Invercargill bakers obstinately refused to give orders in time to allow allocations to be made. By ordering after the 25th of the month, these bakers were able to obtain a month’s credit. The difficulties arose mainly through accidental and temporary defects, after which the flours complained about all regained their high position on the market.

Mr. Solomon, addressing the Court, quoted judgments in support of the argument that raising prices was not necessarily pernicious," if an important industry was thereby preserved in the interests of the public. He contended that the contract was reasonably necessary for the protection of the millers and the milling trade. He submitted that the scheme originated with the concurrence, even at the suggestion, of the bakers. It started even with the knowledge and tacit approval of the Government. Distributors. Ltd., had made - possible an equal distribution of flour. The inconveniences caused were accidental and not incidental to the scheme. The formation of Distributors Ltd., overcame a grave menace to the flour and wheat-growing industries and had conferred a national advantage After Mr. Adams (for the Crown) had replied, his Honor (Mr. Justice Sim) intimated that he would take time to consider his decision.