TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1922, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

BV TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., OOPTBIGHT. TRUST ACT BREACH. OAMARU, July 27. | Proceedings have been instigated by I the Crown against certain coal coni- ■ panics and coal vendors in Oaniaru imj der Hu* Commercial Trusts Act of 1910, the defendants being the Westport Coal Company, the Shag Poo’t i Coal Company, the New Zealand Coal I and Oil Company, Christie Bros., John ' Vernon, Charles Jeremiah Marshall (John Mill and Co.), J. L. Amies, Rede Cay ford. J. S. Bee, G. M. Wilson, and F. 11. Hall (Jos. Orr and Co), j The staGunent of claim issued by llr F. It'. Adavs. Crown solicitor, of Dunedin asks bn- a penalty of £SOO against ' each : f ilu* defendants and an injunition prohibiting tlie defendants from continuing a breach of the Act in resiled of those sections which provide that two or more parties combining to fix the prices of certain essential commodities constitute an illegal trust. The defence denies that any trust has existed and that the mining companies granted concessions by virtue ol the existence of a trust.

NEW ZEALAND MIXERS. WELLINGTON, July 31

The Executive of the Now Zealand Coal Miners’ Federation has been meeting in Wellington in the last few days, and the proceedings terminated to-day. A inimlior of matters were discussed, including the recent trouble at the State Mine, and the dispute at Ngakawau Mine. Tlie annual conference of the Federation, which usually takes place in Wellington in July, will this year he held about November.

Some significance may attach to the next conference, as the minors will be due to have a further •adjustment in wages in Novemlier. Some time ago there appeared to he a possibility ol the headquarters of the Miners’ Federation being shifted from Wellington to the West Coast, hut it is stated that the office will now continue to lie located in Wellington. A movement is reported to he on foot for the establishment of a Federation of Miners on the West Coast, and a former leading official ol the New Zealand Miners’ Federation is stated to he the chief figure behind the

project. There is a possibility that the new body, if formed, will have a separate identity front tin* New Zealand Miners’ Federation.

SUPREME COURT. TIMARU. August 1

At the Supreme Court. G. L. Byron. Iff years, for failing to deliver postal packets was admitted to probation for j. months on condition that he paid tin* cost of the prosecution £2 12s. within four months. F.rnwst Birdling for obtaining a motor cycle by false pretences was sentenced to 18 months hard labour to he followed hv a term, not exceeding three years reformative treatment.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ COMPLAINT. WELLINGTON. Aug 1

The Returned Soldiers’ Association complained to the Prime Minister that a number of soldiers who applied for positions a s messengers etc. during the session were refused, while among those employed were a number of civil servants drawing superannuation pay up to £213 per annum. In reply. Mr Massey said some experienced men were required, anil it wa s usual to reappoint the best of them, hut of 15 appointments 28 wensoldiers. The staff had been reduced this year, and there were not so many vacancies as usual^ The Association -was not satisfied and strongly objected to men drawing being; pfV'foirod to soldiers. The latter had young families. and the other men were old and had only a wile. They “failed to find any reason or excuse lor their retention.” and called on Air Massey to replace them hv those who have not, sufficient to live on.