Page 13 Advertisements Column 5

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22022, 3 August 1933, Page 13

There are at least 68 different ways to “ pyp ” a customer, and merchants in Chicago have been using all of them, said Mr Joe Grien, an official sealer, recently to the press. A butcher, he said, kept a 10oz rib tied to his scales. Another used paper padded with salt pork, which he slipped on and off the scales with the wrappers. Pieces of iron were found inserted in poultry. Some merchants used fractions in calculations to confuse the buyers. Grocers soaked berry-boxes in water, then dented them so that they would hold fewer berries. Buyers of old gold used scales that had never been tested. Even the bootleggers were “ short-weighing ” their customers, said Mr Grien. They sold alcohol in "fivegallon ” cans, which really held only four gallons and a quart.