THE PRICE OF WHEAT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16762, 11 June 1920, Page 4

THE PRICE OF WHEAT.

ALLEGED BREACH OF REGULATIONS. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, June 10. In the Supreme Court, before Mr. Justice Sim, to-day, A. Stevens and Co. were sued by the Crown for penalties for an alleged breach of the regulations in respect to sales of ivheat. Mr. AV. C. M’Gregor, K.C., appeared for tho Crown, Mr, C. P. Skerrett, K.C., and Mr; A. S. Adams for the defendants, A. Stevens and Co. and AVilliam Josiah Love. Tho statement of claim set forth that Love is a large shareholder and also managing director of the defendant company, personally controlling .tho company’s business, and personally responsible for the wholesale buying and selling of grain. The maximum price was fixed on February 25, 1019, by Ovder-in-Council for all wheat grown in New- Zealand, such order remaining in force. The rate for free wheat inferior in quality to good milling wheat was 6s 8d a bushel, and after last October the defendants Sold large quantities of such wdieat at prices exceeding 6s Bd, the exact prices ranging from 7s 6d to 8s 6d. The alleged offences were tho sale of 339 bushels at 7s fid to Hutchinson (Auckland), 167 to the same firm at Bs, 336 to the same firm at 8s 3d, 167 at 8s 6d to Roach (Hastings). 345 at 8s 6d to A. S. Paterson (AA’cllington). 333 at 8s 6d to Birch and Co. (Wellington), 333 at 8s 6d to Leary and Co, (Wellington), and to tho Loan and Mercantile Co. (Wellington) 841 at 7s 3d and 798 at 7s 6d. A penalty of £SOO was claimed in respect of each offence. The defendants' statement admitted the sales, but mentioned that the prices included sacks. The case is proceeding.