ANTI-MONOPOLY LEGISLATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7264, 21 October 1910, Page 4

ANTI-MONOPOLY LEGISLATION

Although one gentleman seized tile ©ppor-1 tunity to make a few fatuous remarks about the danger of "preventing capital coming to the country," the discussion in the House Of Representatives last night revealed a general desire among members to support tihe Government in its efforts to clieck monopolies. The debate naturally enough wandered into many pathways and first principles received very scant recognition. It is certainly ■ open to doubt whether the measure will successfully grapple with monopoly in all its phases, but since this manmer of making attack upon certain objectionable features of trade finds favour with the Legislature nothing is lost by proceeding upon lines capable of advancement if experience proves the efficacy of the preliminary movement. The country certainly looks to a Liberal administration for relief from monopoly of aaiy kind, and this Bill is to be welcomed as a fulfilment of declared intention on the part of the Government to meet its obligation in tEis direction. Though there are some monoplies against which the BUI is not likely to have effect there is one it ought to have strong influence upon and that is tli-o Standard Oil Company. The. New Zealand market for kerosene is an absolute monopoly to this concern. Into its pocket has passed the greater part of uhe duty once levied on kerosene and it maintains a hold upon traders by means that are only possible with a monopolised article of oommeroe, and by these it positively prevents outside competition. Since on a previous occasion' .we detailed the manner and method in which this business is conducted there is no need to recall the details now. That they act as a restraint upon trade is beyond controversy. No other 1 conclusion remains than that consumers pay a very substantial annual toll for the dubious blessings conferred by the market being commanded by an operator whose systems of rebate and discount keep the field clear of other competitors. If this Bill only succeeds in permitting freedom of trade in kerosene the consumers are likely to derive an immediate benefit and the passage of the measure find abundant justification.