THE FLOUR TRADE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9848, 29 October 1924, Page 4

THE FLOUR TRADE

I ITIG \TION AGAINST COMPANIES.

DUNEDIN, Oct. 28. The case in which the Crown claims £SOO penalty from the Crown Milli,w Co , Dunedin. Fleming and Co., Invercargill, Atlas Mills, Timaru, Wood Bros., Christchurch. Distributors, Ltd., Christchurch, was commenced at the Supremo Court this morning. The Crown also sought an injunction against the first four companies prohibiting the employment of Distributors Ltd., as the sole selling 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 the supply ot flour, bran and pollard, contrary to 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 j 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 tho possible output of the Dominion’s fifty mills was three times beyond the Dominion’s requirements, vet, instead of keen competition, the great body of mills were found working together under an agreement. Mr Cailan called William Josiah Love, flourmiller, Christchurch, who said that prior to Distributors, Ltd., coming Tito existence ho was doing 2500 tons yearly but was offered the quota by Distributors of 1200 He declined and was given 1500 tons, which, lie considered, unfair. He was not enthusiastic about the Distributors, Ltd., although ho had joined up with it.

I Brigham Cameron Hancock, baker, ! Riverton, said that before Distributors’. Ltd., started, he used four j different brands of flour hut, suhse- !. {~y, got flour from the Bistrij tors’ agent at Invercargill. He could not get the same proportions of northern flour ns previously and the quality of some of the flour was patchy. He had to take a good deal l more of Fleming’s flour than he ordered.

Robert John Cochrane. baker. Dipton, said that since Distributors, 'Ltd. had been operating bo bad used nothing but Fleming’s flour. He used a mixture before that. The case was adjourned.—P.A.