Tricks of Trade.

Evening Star, Issue 7411, 5 January 1888, Page 3

Tricks of Trade.

The annual report of the Sydney Inspector of Weights and Measures generally gives a good deal of information as to the " tricks of trade." In hie latest report he says : " Tea is now being specially ordered to contain 351b, and is sold to consumers at 401b. A cunning scheme is said to be practised with tobacco. The plugs are supposed to be made at eight, ten, or twelve to the pound. Now, if nine, eleven, or thirteen be made, thus, when tens are given, two and a half are given for Jib, not weighed, of course ; the profit is obvious. Jams are of varied weights and quality, costing retail from 4d to 8d per tin, some being actually unfit for human food. Coffee, spice, and similar goods sold ir* tins are almost always sold gross weight. Thus, Is 6d to 4s per lb is given for canisters. Fruit still continues to be of deficient measure in the market, for which no means are apparentlyprovided to prevent. It would appear that there is urgent need for some system of affording better protection to purchasers of bulk goods at the fruit and vegetable markets. Potatoes, onions, peas, beans, and measured fruits are almost invariably short of their proper quantities. Among other things brought under my notice are serious complaints concerning practices obtaining in the sale of jewellery. On inquiry, leading business men state that it is almost impossible to sell honestly made gold articles, because rolled gold, nine, or even seven, carat gold arc openly marked fifteen or eighteen, and sold as such. ' Brummagem' and like descriptions of ware are sold as handsome solid gold, yet filled inside with lead or other base metal. Nambcrs of persons make a good living here in fixing up these goods."

One of Edward Everett Hale's cleverest stories is 'The Man who Stolo a Meetinghouse.' The conceit of the story-teller is reproduced in actual life in the attempt of the Indian tribe recently forced out of British Columbia to steal their church and transport it to Alaskan soil. The Dominion authorities heard of the scheme and prevented the carrying out of what would have been a pretty romance. Upon the arrival of the " Jubilee Fifty officers of tho Salvation Army, who left London in August for India, Commander Tucker found a cheque for LI ,100, which had been Ecnfc to him to assist in maintaining the work of the Army in that country. The donor, who has amassed a large fortune mainly in India, recently gave a cheque for L 5,000 towards tho same object.