THE COAL VEND CASE.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13087, 22 April 1911, Page 3

THE COAL VEND CASE.

REPORTED STATEMENT BY MR.

HUGHES,

AN INJUNCTION ASKED FOR

[Press Association—Copyright.]

(Received April 21,11.35 p.m.) Sydney, April 21. Mr. Huglms, speaking on the referenda at Adelaide, is reported to have said that the Coal Vend was being prosecuted not before its time, because it had been exploiting the people. It had a special affection for South Australia. When South Australia proposed to have its own mine it 6eemcd in the eyes of the Vend as if the proposal had emanated from Satan. The Vend had stopped it, and was now supplying coal at the okl profits in the old way. He believed the day of competitiori had gone, and the day of cooperation was here. He reiterated his statement that combines and trusts were financing the opposition to the referenda. Counsel for the defendants m the Vend ease drew Mr. Justico Isaacs' attontion to the report ,and made an application to eg}] upon tho AttorneyGeneral to show whether he had made the statement, which he contended was contempt of Court, the case being sub-judice. Counsel sought an oxr.arto interim injunction restraining Mr. Hughes from making a similar statement or any comment until the proceedings terminated. Mr Justice Isaacs refused to express nn opinion because, firstly, Mr. Hughes was not present, and secondly, creat and important issues of a political nature were connected with liis observations. Therefore, he would do nothing to prejudice other issues elsewhere. He would say that he would require an appearance to btf made upon notice so full that a fair opportunity would be given to hear what was urged. To-day's evidence was formal.