OPPRESSION OF THE PUBLIC

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 278, 15 April 1911, Page 5

OPPRESSION OF THE PUBLIC

THE COAL VEND CASE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 13, 8.5 p.m. ' Sydney, April 13. The High Court commenced the hearing of the coal vend eases, wherein the vend is charged with offences against the Industries Preservation Act. There is a great array of legal talent on both sides. Tiie charges are that since September, 1000, there has been and still is a combination between the Northern Collieries Association and the Associated Steamship Companies in respect to trade in Newcastle coal between New South Wales and other Australian States; that this combination restrained trade, and was intended so to do to the detriment of the public. Counsel, in opening for the Commonwealth Government, undertook to show that the combine set out to make, in the four years following the formation of the vend, a profit of two millions sterling over and above the profit made in 1906. The method was to estimate the probable requirements of trade for the ensuing year, and apportion trade among the mines according to their potential its allotment, it was compelled to pay four shillings a ton-for each ton in excess of the vend fund, to compensate mines which put out less than their allotment. No quotations were allowed to be made or contracts entered into until referred to the vend committee. Counsel urged that the vend, by abusing its control over competition, had engaged in a great conspiracy with ship-owners to establish a monopoly in Newcastle coal. It had gone far beyond its proper objects, and, under the pretence of protecting the interests of the coal trade, had oppressed the public.