THE COAL VEND CASE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 283, 22 April 1911, Page 5

THE COAL VEND CASE

THE CASE PROCEEDING. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, April 20. In the Coal Vend prosecution the whole day was occupied with documentary evidence. Over three thousand telegrams were put in. A MINISTER REBUKED. IS IT CONTEMPT OF COURT? Received 21, 11.35 p.m. Sydney, April 21. Mr. Hughes, speaking on the referenda at Adelaide, is reported to have said that the coal vend was being prosecuted, and not before it was time, because it had been exploiting the people. It had a special affection for South Australia. When South Australia had proposed to have its own mine it seemed, in the eyes of the vend, that the proposal emanated from Satan. The vend had stopped it, and was now supplying coal at the old profits in the old way. He believed the day of competition had gone, and the day of co-operation was here. He reiterated the statement that combines and trusts were financing the opposition to the referenda. Counsel for the defendants in the vend case drew Mr. Justice Isaacs' attention to the report, and made application to call the Attorney-Genera] to show whether he had made the statement, which he contended was contempt of Court, the case being sub judice. Counsel sought an ex parte interim injunction, restraining Mr. Hughes from making a similar statement, or any comment, until the proceedings terminated. Mr. Justice Isaacs refused to express an opinion because, firstly, Mr. Hngheß was not present, and, secondly, great and important issues of a political nature were connected with the observations; therefore they could do nothing to prejudice the other issues elsewhere. He would require an appearance to be made upon notice, so that a full and fair opportunity would be given to hear what would be urged in defence. To-day's evidence was formal.