UNSTAMPED WEIGHTS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3515, 24 July 1926, Page 2

UNSTAMPED WEIGHTS

A LOCAL CONVICTION. At the local S.M. Court yesterday the Inspector of Factories (G. F. Davies) proceeded against C. Woodroofe (Mr. Bergin) on charges of (1) unlawfully having possesion of certain unstamped weights, and having a weight marked 21bs which, on comparison with the standard weight, was found to be unjust. (2) With having possession where goods were exposed for sale and kept for sale, of a weighing machine that, being unjust and imperfect, was not stamped. ' ..Mr. Davis, Inspector of weights and measures, gave evidence to the effect that he had visited defendant’s auction mart and had seen there, on a counter, alongside an open case of apples, scales and weights. They were not stamped and witness informed defendant that they would have to be tested and stamped. They were removed to Palmerston North for that purpose. Prior to leaving, witness met Mr. G. T. Woodroofe who admitted to him that the scales belonged to him and that they were used on some occasions for weighing purposes. There were paper bags hanging -on the wall near the scales.

Mr. Louden, District Inspector, said that he had tested the scales and weights. The scales were crude and did not comply with the regulations. One weight was two drams against the customer and not stamped and another was four drams against the customer. Mr. Bergin said that the scales were for sale at the mart and not for use.

G. T. Woodroofe, husband of defendant, produced evidence to show ihat he had purchased the scales in a Palmerston North auction mart, together with other goods. They were for sale by auction and not for use. Had been put up for sale once. Goods at the mart were not sold by weight but in lots. The bags were’ used for lemons, which were sold by the dozen. Was not always it the mart, but was in a position to say that the scales were never put to use. Denied saying to

Mr. Davis that he used the scales occasionally. Sold meat and vegetables in lots and not by weight. The S.M. said 'hat in his opinion the scales had been used. They were placed on the counter alongside goods that were exposed for sale.

Defendant was lined £1 and cos 7/- on each charge.