PROTECTING THE FARMER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 305, 18 September 1908, Page 5

PROTECTING THE FARMER.

'AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE BILL DIS-, CUSSED. y 1 At tlio meeting of tho council of the Chambor of Commerce yesterdavNafternoon (says N an Auckland Press Association message), Mr. Gunson moved: — "That tho Minister for Agriculture be requested to delay the passing of tho pro- . posed 'Agricultural Produce Sale and importation Bill, for in the opinion of this council tho Bill; particularly in connection with i the receiving for sale clause, places undue responsibility on the trade, and neither does its sufficiently; protect the common interest of the farmer and tho trado generally against adulterated ajid low utility seeds; further, in the opinion of this council, a more comprehensive measuro is required to that end. This council is prepared to lend what assistance may be in its power." Mr. Gunson said tho measure affected all agricultural and horticultural produce, and tho clause to which ho took exception was the "receiving for sale" clause, which, ho thought,;was the stumbling-block of the measure. It placed an undue responsibility onthe importer,' who would bo. liable to heavy ~ losses on his consignment. It was hard that tho merchants should bo liable to commit offences merely through' "receiving." The Bill was very necessary, and would bo welcome in hitting out at tho adulteration which was being carried on throughout tho country. • > Mr. G. L. Pcacocko spoke in favour of tho measure. Tho non-germination of seeds had been a severe trial to farmers for "years," and to prov.ent this he thought officials should be allowed to take samples and examine .seed, the rseult of their investiga- . tions to bo published. The motion, which was carried unanimously, was .telegraphed, to the Minister for Agriculture.