ANTI-TRUST LAW APPEAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14947, 21 March 1912, Page 7

ANTI-TRUST LAW APPEAL

THE CASE OF THE COAL VEND.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.— Sydney, March 20.: Supplementary completed notices of appeal have been lodged in the coal vend case. The colliery proprietors contest the judgment on 30 grounds, the shipping companies on 16, and Messrs. J. and -A. Brown on 12 grounds. JUDGMENT OP MB. JUSTICE ISAACS. In the case under the Anti-trust Law, (Australian Industries Preservation Act) against the Coal Vend and shipping companies, Mr. Justice Isaacs concluded the delivery of hia judgment in Sydney on December 22. Ho found that except in minor respects the allegations contained in the statement of claim had been proved. He therefore pronounced judgment against the defendants, and fined them £600 each, and ordered them to pay the plaintiff's costs. On the previous day he referred to the "cupidity" of the Coal Vend, and the shipping companies concerned in the case as "a sort of marine guard for the Vend's coastal battery." Unquestionably, said His Honour, the shipping companies used the power of the combination for their, own benefit. On the application of Mr. Knox, K.C., an extension of time was allowed until one month after the vacation in which to appeal. The hearing lasted 73 "days, and the delivery of judgment took 10i hours'. The legal costs to which defendants are liable under the judgment amount to about £30,000, and the fines aggregate £19,500. The defendants therefore would have to pay nearly £50,000.