ANTI-TRUST LEGISLATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14223, 14 June 1910, Page 2

ANTI-TRUST LEGISLATION.

WRITS ISSUED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. On May 2G the Federal Attorney(Mr Hughes) stated m Sydney that> writs were to he issued against- the Coal Vend, the shipping combine and the Union Steam Ship Company o I New Zealand for aliened offences against the Anti-Trust Act. None of the actions would, however, attempt to inteileie with the Coal Vend s right to fix the price for coal g.o.b. at Newcastle, noi price for coal i'.ol*, at Newcastle, nor ers' Association's right to fix freights and fares. The first writ, Mr Hughes continued, was against-the Coal A'end and the companies and firms forming it. and the shipping combine and the companies and firms forming it. for alleged offences against the Anti-Trust Act in connection with their joint control ot the inter-state trade in coal between Newcastle and States other than Tasmania and New South Wales, and in connection with inter-state shipping. _The second writ was against the Coal A end and the companies and firms forming it. and the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand. Limited, for alleged offences against the Anti-Trust Act, m connection with their joint control of the trade in coal between Newcastle and Tasmania. The third writ was against the Coal Vend and the companies mid firms forming it for alleged olicnccs against the Anti-Trust Act in connection with their control, with persons it London and elsewhere, of the interstate and foreign trade in coal, and ol shipnitig coal front the port of Newcastle for foreign ports. It was stated a few days later that no further action would he taken in the matter by the Federal AttorneyGeneral until the writs are returned. Air Hughes will then file » statement of claim, and the Tligli Court will be asked to fix a date for the hearing of the cases.

Outlining at Auckland proposed legislation for the coming session. Sir .Joseph Ward said: The importance of anti-trust legislation cannot be overestimated. : 'I have had cases brought under my notice showing that in connection with the sale of oil and kerosene there are trusts of considerable magnitude in operation. The same may be said to apply to sugar, and we must make it impossible for anyone who has the disposal of wholesale articles to compel traders to deal with him or them onlv."