PROFITEERS V. THE PUBLIC

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 296, 10 September 1919, Page 7

PROFITEERS V. THE PUBLIC

A JUDGE ON HIS'DUTY STRONG REMARKS TO THE VACUUM OIL COMPANY. By Telegraph-Press Association—Copyright (Eec. September 9, 7.30 p.jn.) Sydney, September 9. Dealing with an application submitted to tho Necessary Commodities Commission by the' Vacuum Uh Company for increases in the selling prices, Mr. Justice Edmunds, Chairman of the Commission., said that when the application was pre-; viously belore the Commission, he'-was of opinion, and still held the'" opinion, that tuo Coiuuwsion had been grossly deceived by Uie applicants. His duty.to stand between tne -community and oi pri-' iiteering company' was no icos now tna'ii it was iieiore. lie then quoted lroni the Koport oi tlio Interstate-' commission 'the oviiunco ot a dnecior oi the Vacuum Company that "the profits lor tho latter halt-year of 1915 were less than thoy had ever been," whereas, tho Koport showed that lor the year ended November, 1915, they were much greater than during any preceding year. "■' •'.'■'''

Counsel for the applicants submitted that us Mr. Justice jjdnnmds -had confessed himself as not having ail impartial mind .on the matter, ho should-nat sit whilo the application was heard.

■ Mr. Justice Edmunds refilled that whilo lie. held pronounced views, lie was quite capable of weighing evidence judicially. To I'li'n away trom liis duty to stand between (ho uublic and a company which had .been-found by an experienced and patiently inquiring tribunal guilty of profiteering would be cowardice. ■ Counsel for the applicants stated that his clients were quite prepared for a full' inquiry before an impartial tribunal, but advised' them not to appear before tlio Commission. They thereupon left the Court. *

Tho Commission refused an application by tho Texas Oil Company of Australasia for an increase of Is. .per. case in tho selling prico of kerosene and benzine. —Press A6sn.