FIGHTING, THE TRUSTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10579, 7 October 1910, Page 4

FIGHTING, THE TRUSTS.

'[By Electric Tclecijuph—Copyright.J (Per Piiess Association.; Received October 7,. at 10.50 1 a.m. \ ' Melbourne, Oo'tober 7. In the House of Representatives the . Anti-Trust Act was introduced. ' ; It provides -that a combine acting m restraint of trade is guilty even though it is not to the detriment of the public. It; is not necessary to prove in;tent. An- - other subsection makes it ani ciffenee to. enter into competition - with; intent to destroy or- iniuro an .Australian in- . dustry: Defendant will Lav«i to prove, i-.that liis action was uot injurious. No person is'excused, from answering ques-; i lions oil the 'ground tliat tliey might I incriminate v him, but- sucli a; statement cannot-be given in evidence against lum in "any proceeding except for; an offence against this Act or perjury. ! - •Although this was 'carried, the Op--position strongly, objected, as the puu.isliment was too drastic, going back to the Middle Ages. In the House of ; Representatives, a Bill to amend the Anti-Trust Act was read ."a. first time. It contains drastic .penalties, and provides for <• a penalty of £soo' against any attempt to control itratfe, with'ail additional £SOO per day. for''each day. such attempt. is ;continued■; also a.-penalty of-£SOO per day, or 12 '.montto^!imprisonment," or both, against any,.. attempt -to control; prices.; The penalty in the case of. a, corporation -is fixed at £IOOO for each day; during the time the offence continues. .