SIZE OF CORNSACKS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVII, Issue 12850, 24 June 1902, Page 4

SIZE OF CORNSACKS.

It is disappointing to learn.' that the ( Acting-Premier has not yet completed his inquiries in regard to the size of cornsacks. The agitation for a reduction from tlie cruelly heavy four-bushel sack was commenced two or three years ago 4 and it is almost incredible that Sir Joseph Ward has not by this time obtained all the information tha£ is available on the subject. The Medical Association has warmly supported the lumpers' demand for a reduction, and the bujk of public opinion is on the side of the meno We recognise that the change ought not to be made suddenly £ without giving importers of sacks and l exporters of grain .an opportunity to adapt their ar : rangements to the new 1 regulation, but its discussion ought not to be indefinitely postponed. The Medical Association has declared that the heavy sacks now in use are seriously impairing thehealth, of many of the men who are required to ihamdle them; the merchants, or, at <any rate, a number' of them, have replied that they are necessary to secure the most profitable from the grain business. Ifbo'tff these contentions are right, the Minister should'not nesitate for a moment in giving notice of the change—the (health of the men should, certainly be considered Soefore the profit of the merchants—%ut we presume that Sir Joseph has some reason to think that the Association is mistaken. In that case he ought .to lose no time in placing the information he has collected before the public.' ' •