The Lyttelton Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1911. TRUST METHODS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15558, 7 March 1911, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1911. TRUST METHODS.

The representatives in Australia of the American Meat Trust appear to bo quite willing to enter upon a struggle with the Federal Government. Wo were told a few days ago that they proposed to issue debentures in tho Commonwealth, apparently in order that an attack upon the independence of the meat trade might be made from behind an entrenchment of local interest. This scheme has been withdrawn, “owing to strong expressions of public opinion'.’’ but the business men to whom the debentures were offered are “ faced with the alternative of buying shares or meeting competition from new works.” The announcement, has all tho appearance of a deliberate challenge to the Federal Government, which has stated ex-

plicitly that it will not allow the Trust to secure a monopoly in Australia. Tho proprietors of tho oxisting meat companies have been warned, in effect, that if they do not enter into relations with the invading organisation they will have to defend their businesses against onslaughts supported by it? enormous wealth and influence. W o should imagine that tho Australians would decline to yield to the methods of bluff. Tlie Trust was able to destroy most of its American competitors by means of unfair competition and the restriction of trade, hut then it had friends in high places. In Australia tho threatened companies will he able to roly upon the support of the Government and the Legislature, and the courts will administer the anti-trust laws with strict impartiality. Under such circumstances the Americans will bo placing a weapon in tho hands of the local concerns if they establish factories on Australian soil, with a view to securing control of the meat trade by the simple method of “squeezing out ” their opponents. A foreign combine of a notorious character is not lilcely to succeed in capturing the Commonwealth by direct assault in the broad light of day.