FEDERAL ANTI-TRUST BILL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13934, 16 December 1905, Page 7

FEDERAL ANTI-TRUST BILL.

DISCUSSION ON THE SECOND READING. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, December 15. In the debate on the second reading of the Anti-Trust Bill, the AttorneyGeneral declared that the Bill was intended to be far-reaching because the evils with which Australia had fo cope were far-reaching. Mr Watson declared that it was increasingly evident that society , would bo compelled, by some means or other, to take steps to curb the increasing power that jwas being vested in the hands of a few individuals. There were numberless cases in Australia where the larger trades had 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 the 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. As nothing could ho done with harvesters for six months, the matter could be considered during the recess, and members oould attack the trust question well armed next year. IN COMMITTEE. , THE' MEASURE POSTPONED. MELBOURNE, December 15. ,In committee on the Anti-Trust Bill, Mr Storrer moved the postponement of the measur.e, in order to allow time for its better consideration. " Mr Deakin pleaded against the postponement. After considerable discussion the postponement was agreed to, Mr Deakin announcing that it would be the first measure next session. (Received December 16, 12.4 a.m.) MELBOURNE, December 16. In the House of Representatives Mr Deakin, in reply to a question, said that ho saw nothing in the' Anti-Trust Bill inconsistent with a preferential trade'. On the contrary, he thought that until some such provision were made both in th© Mother Country and all the dominions of the Empire there would not be adequate means of protecting trade.