246 WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 
obtain supplies of wheat. But this can best be studied 
after we notice its operation in the early stages of its 
existence. 
At the instance of the late Mr. T. E. Taylor, MP., 
Parliament authorised an enquiry, in 1903, into the 
nature and methods of the Association. It was then 
believed that the Association had become connected with 
the Master Bakers’ Union in an attempt to form a 
complete monopoly in the baking industry. The Associ- 
ation was also charged with restricting output, causing 
a rise in prices, and other matters which are of general 
application in combination problems. The report of this 
Committee of Enquiry is important, but sufficient evi- 
dence against the interests of the Association was not 
taken. It was found, however, that several mills had 
never joined the Association; and that the Association 
had been formed ‘‘for the purpose of self-protection,’ 
but at the same time ‘‘had endeavoured to secure control 
of the sale of flour throughout the Colony.’’ The price 
of flour had not been raised, but there had been shown 
a ‘‘tendency at times to raise the price of bread beyond 
what might be regarded as a fair profit,’’ on the part of 
the Bakers’ Union, which was for a period acting in 
conjunction with the Millers’ Association. 
When, however, in 1912, the Commission on the Cost 
of Living took evidence on this question, it was shown 
clearly that the Association had endeavoured to force 
free millers into the position of associated millers by 
restricting the supply of wheat to them, and ‘‘dump- 
ing’’ flour into the markets controlled previously by 
these millers.* It was further shown that the Associ- 
ation had endeavoured to cut away the supplies of flour 
from bakers who refused to become members of the 
*See Report H-18. Evidence of Mr. Virtue, pages 243-6; 
evidence of Mr. Gardiner, pages 102-6; evidence of Mr. Williams, 
pages 177-180. 
