ARE THE PUBLIC CHEATED?

West Coast Times, 13 June 1912, Page 1

ARE THE PUBLIC CHEATED?

BETTER SALE QE FOOD REGULATIONS PROPOSED. MINISTERIAL SYMPATHY. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —nOPYRIOPT.j WELLINGTON, Juno 11. A deputation from the Trades and Labour Council waited on the Hon. J. Hanan to-day regarding the short sale of foodstuffs.

The deputation [represented that not only were the people paying more than previously for their food, but they were, in some cases, being “had” by short measure. Their counsel had advised that there was very little power under the existing law as far ais weights and measures were concerned. The Minister, in reply, said that it seemed to-him that it would be better if the whole question of weights and measures was under the Health Department, because the fact was that weights and measures had so much to do with the supply of food and conditions of life. He recognise/1 that New Zealand had not such advanced legislation in regard to branding and labelling foods as they had in Australia. It seemed to him desirable that there should be regulations to ensure proper supervision, and also in regard to the purity of the goods offered for sale. He would bring the matter befor the Cabinet.