PROTECTING THE FARMERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4895, 19 July 1890, Page 3

PROTECTING THE FARMERS.

A question of considerable interest to New Zealand farmers, came up m tbe House on 'Thursday. Mr MacVonzie asked the Minister of Agriculture if the Government will during the present session consider the necessity of amending tbe Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Aot ns applied to manures, by providing that all artificial manures sold within the colony shall have endorsed on or affixed to every bag, box, or other parcel of the manure an attested chemical analysis Betting forth the component parts of euoh manure. In explanation of his reasons for putting the question, Mr Mackenzie pointed out the defects m the Act, and urged the Government to insert clauses for the protection of the farmers. He enlarged upon the losses consequent upon adulterated manures being suppliod, and suggested as a further reform that tho authorities be instructed to sen that Iho provisions of tbe Act. were carried out. The Hon. G. F. Richardson, m reply, aaid that he thought tho Act of 1882 met tho case, which provided that manure sold under trade mark be analysed. If more were enacted complications would result. Tbe remedy was m farmers' hands. They should deal with merchants Belling undort.be Trade Mark Act. Mi Mackenzie pointed out that what he suggested was tbe law m Scotlond ; that only one firm m New Zttn'and had a registered trade mark ; that all imported manures escaped the act ; and tbot tbe Minister should do morolhnn he indicated. Mr Walker was not saliafiod with the Minister's reply. He ought to carrj out the membor for Clutha'a suggestion. It was a most important matter. The Ministri promised to reoeiro suggestions of a practical nature, which Mr Mackenzie said he would supply.