FLEECING THE FARMER.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 314, 14 November 1929, Page 7

FLEECING THE FARMER.

PAYING FOR WATER. Farmers’ Union Incensed. “ Amounts to Fraud.” Members of the Morrinsville branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union made some caustic comments at Saturday evening’s meeting when the secretary read a copy of the analyses of two cattle drenches now on sale in the Waikato, and possibly elsewhere. The analyses were secured by Mr. Walter Seavill, chairman of directors of the Farmers’ Auctioneering Co., and were carried out by a wellknown Auckland analyst. The result of one of the analyses was as follows:

Medicinal mineral salts: Nil. Medicinal alkaline salts: Nil. Other mineral matter: Nil. Vegetable extract (brown colour): 0.2 per cent. Water: 99.8 per cent. The density of the liquid is virtually that of water, as might be expected from the analysis. The liquid is brown in colour, slightly acid in reaction, and has an aroma like nutmeg or nutmeg and tea-tree berries. The vegetable matter present is very small, and does not lend itself to further analysis. The liquid is evidently a preparation of water with a trace of aromatic matter, the latter being obtained by treating a vegetable medicine with water. The result of the analysis of a sample of cow medicine was as follows: Medicinal mineral salts: Nil. Medicinal alkaline salts: Nil. Other mineral matter: 0.1 per cent. Brown vegetable extract: 1.7 per cent.

Water: 98.2 per cent. The liquid is brown in colour, slightly acid in re-action, and has an aroma like nutmeg and tea-tree berries. The vegetable matter was tested for strychnine, which was found to be present, probably in the form of nux vomica or its tincture, which contains strychnine and is used in veterinary medicine. The president (Mr. G. Pirrit): Two very valuable drenches, gentlemen ! Mr. M. E. Barrowclough: Is not water good for cows ? Mr. A. Topham: Not at 3s 6d a bottle. The president: This sort of thing amounts to fraud. It is a downright shame. They seem, to be able to" palm this sfiiff off on to the farmers incurring any penalty. Mr. J. E. Leeson suggested forwarding a copy of the analyses to Mr. F. Lye, M.P:, for suitable action to be taken. The president: Perhaps we may be able to get the names of these drenches. It is a pity they were not published. Members expressed doubt as to this being done. A member (facetiously): The Farmers’ Union might mix up some and make some money. (Laughter). Mr. F. Seifert said something should be done. The mixtures were apparently absolutely useless. This sort of thing was evidently going on right through New Zealand. The remit passed by the branch urging that analyses be displayed on the outside of bottles of cattle medicines should have been acted upon. Mr. P. S. Philpott: It is a matter that Parliament should deal with.

Mr. Barrowclough suggested taking legal advice as to what action the branch could take in having medicines analysed and the results published with the names of such medicines. The matter had been before the union and Parliament and nothing had been done. Mr. J. E. Leeson: If the Farmers’ Auctioneering Co. is frightened to divulge the names, we should be very cautious. Mr. Barrowclough: An institution with plenty of funds could not stand the risk of a libel action. But as we have no funds we stand to lose nothing. Mr. Topham: In what way is the vendor breaking the law ? He is under no restrictions to state what the contents are. If a farmer is fool enough to pay for it he is to blame. What we want is a law preventing such medicines from being sold. Mr. S. Ferguson: We want the analysis printed on the bottle. Mr. Leeson moved that all members of Parliament representing rural electorates be written to asking for such legislation. Mr. Seifert seconded the motion, which was carried.