BREAD AND BUTTER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8868, 31 October 1907, Page 5

BREAD AND BUTTER.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. By Telegraph—Parliamentary Correspondent. WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The House devoted a.considerable amount of its time to-night in considering the new clause inserted in the Pure Food Bill relating to the sale of bread. The clause provides that every person commits an offence who sells bread, the weight of which at the time of sale is less than the seller represents it to be, or is less than the weight which the buyer demands. It also provides that any loaf less than 41b, or more than 31b, shall be deemed as representing 41b, and any loaf less than 21b, but more than lib, shall be deemed as representing 21b. The clause further makes it an offence for a baker to take back bread after it has been in the purchaser's hands one hour. Mr W. F. Massey (Franklin) contended that if there was to be a law for ordinary bread there should also be a law for fancy bread. Mr J. T. M. Hornsby (Wairarapa) moved that the new clause be disagreed with. - Mr Hanan pointed out that there was no provision as to bread between 21b and 31b weight. Mr A. W. Hogg contended that the only way in which to deal with dishonest bakers was to compel bread to be sold by weight, and a. substantial fine imposed. He urged that bread should be placed on the scale before being handed to the customer. He also submitted that steps should be taken to prevent fraud in the sale of butter in packets. He was informed that in many instances the packets were from one to two ounces deficient in weight. He considered the Act, instead of being too drastic, was too mild. The Hon. G. Fowlds said, some members thought the clause dealing with bread was too drastic, and others that it was not drastic enough. He defended the clause as drafted, contending that a margin had to be provided, otherwise a baker who made a reputed 21b loaf to weigh 21b, and, say, 3oz would be liable as for a 41b loaf, whereas no one would be deceived into thinking that a loaf between 21b and 31b was a 41b loaf.' He hoped the House would allow the amendment. Mr T. M'Kenzie denied that butter left the factories short we ; ght, even to the extent of the paper wrapping. Mr Hogg, as a personal explanation, stated that he had received information from settlers that Jpacket butter was in some instances one ounce, and • sometimes nearly two ounces short. He did not raise any general charge, and only stated "'hat he had been informed. Mr Hovnsby's amendment was negatived by 3? votes to 20 votes.