NEW LAWS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1928, Page 1

NEW LAWS

COMING INTO EFFECT. ACTS OF LAST SESSION. WELLINGTON, March 18. Several of the measures passed in the course of last year’s Parliamentary session will have legislative effect after 31st March. Tli main purpose for flic Fungicides and Insecticides Act is to control Ihc composition of oils and chemicals sold for use in combating diseases of fruit and crops or for use as weed-killers, Cases have occurred in, the past in which the contents of weed-killers, etc., have been misrepresented, and one purpose of tho legislation is to ensure that fungicides and insecticides purchased by orchardists and others are of the required strength and quality. Standardisation of the many compounds used by orchardists is aimed at. The appointment of analysts and inspectors is authorised, and power is given of right to take samples. The legislation has been asked for by small farmers and orchardists for a long time past. It does not affect insecticides for the protection of human beings, or with cattle or sheep dins. One of the clauses in tlie Motor Yeehiclcs Amendment Act makes the provisions of the principvl Act applicable to tlie Crown, in addition to other authorities, as from March 31_st. 1923 This is not to apply, however, to Stateowned motor vehicles, used exclusively for purposes connected with the construction or niaintainance of roads. Harbour Board trailers are exempted as from the same date. As from the beginning of the new financial year, the accounts of the PostOffice are to he separated from tho Treasury, and established on an independent basis, in accordance with the Post and Telegraph Amendment Act of last year. The change is being made to meet altered conditions. Authority is given for.the setting up of depreciation and other reserves. The Introduction of Plants Act is a short measure designed to control or prohibit the introduction into the Dominion of harmful or new plants. A permit must he obtained to import any plant not commonly grown in or admitted to New Zealand. Another short Act passed at the instigation of the Minister for Agriculture is the Seeds Importation Act. which requires certain seeds to lie so treated before importation as to render them distinguishable from seeds of the same kind not- so treated. The Inspection of Machinery Amendment Act is chiefly a technical meaSU Regulations under some of these new Acts will he published in due course.