THE FLOUR CASE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 281, 7 November 1924, Page 5

THE FLOUR CASE.

CLOSING STAGES REACHED. Dunedin, Nov. 7. The tenth day of the hour-milling case promises to be the last. At the conclusion oS Mr Skerrett’s address Mr Solomon K.C., and Mr Myers K.C., will address the court, Mr Adams replying for the Crown. Mr Skerrett, K.C., continuing his address, stated that it was no part of Distributors’ Ltd.’s scheme to remove the right to choose brands of flour, but Limre were periods when it was impos:ole to supply the brands ordered, when these were rationed. Generally speaking these were difficulties in 1923, which disappeared in 1924. Dunedin and Invercargill bakers obstinately refused to give orders in time for allocation to be made, ordering after 25th of the month. These bakers were able to obtain two months’ credit. Difficulties arose mainly through accidental temporary defects, after which the flours complained about all regained a nigh position on the market. Mr, Solomon, K.C., addressing the Court, quoted judgments in support of th© argument that th© raising of tho prices wa s not necessarilv 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 th© concurrence and even at the suggestion, of the bakers and started even with the knowledge and tacit approval of the Government. Distributors’ Ltd. had made possible the equal distribution of flour. The inconveniences caused were accidental and not incidental to the scheme. Th© formation of Distributors’ Ltd. over* came a grave menace to th© flour and wheat-growing industries, and had conferred a national advantage. Mr. Myers said that the millers, if they liked, could have made a merger like the breweries, which would have had all the advantages to the millers of the present system, but would have resulteu in a great disadvlfntage to the public, with which the latter must have put up. For example, in the event of a merger all the mills’ output would have borne the same brand. So long as the duty existed on wheat Distributors Ltd. would be a great advantage in maintaining the essential wheatgrowing industry.