CLAIMS AGAINST COMPANIES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16570, 28 October 1924, Page 11

CLAIMS AGAINST COMPANIES.

DOMINION FLOUR TRADE. O’er Press Association.l DUNEDIN, this dav. The ease in which tho Crown claims £SOO penalty from the Crown Milling Co., Dunedin, Fleming and Co., Invercargill, Atlas Mills, Timarn. Wood Bros., Church church, Distributors, Ltd., Christchurch, was commenced at the Supreme Court this morning. The Crown also sought an injunction against the (irst four companies prohibiting the employment of Distributors Ltd., as the sole soiling agent, with an injunction against the 'last-named,* prohibiting it acting as sole selling agent. The allegation was that the defendants unlawfully conspired to monopolise tho supply of flour, bran, and pollard, contrary lo the public interest. The defence denies a monopoly of control, alternatively stating that if such existed it was not contrary to the public interest, but necessary to stabilise the industry; also that the operating of Distributors Ltd. had throughout the approval of the Government authorities. Mr. Adams, opening for the Crown, pointed out that although the possible output of the Dominion’s fifty mills was three times beyond the Dominion’s requirements, yet, instead of keen competition. tho great body of mills were found working together under an agreement. '