A Plumbing Combine in Toronto
What the New York "World" calls a "unique combine" has been unearthed in Toronto. It seems to have been in existence for some time. It was the union of the Master Plumbers and Steam Fitters' Association. The crown attorney has instituted proceedings against the combine. The indictment charges that they have unlawfully, fraudulently, and deceitfully conspired, combined, and agreed together by false and fraudulent pretenses and means to defraud persons requiring plumbing and steam fitting work done by them, by agreeing in-secret at what price the work shall be done, and cause to be delivered to such persons by plumbers, members of the association, false and fraudulent tenders for doing such work. It is alleged that over half a million dollars annually has been paid by the citizens as a direct overcharge, and five per cent. "rake-off" of this goes to each member of the association. But this is among the last-day conspiracies of which God has told us in His Word.