ARTIFICIAL MANURES. Auckland, July 16.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 386, 20 July 1889, Page 6

ARTIFICIAL MANURES. Auckland, July 16.

A mjjetim; of manufacturers and importers of artificial manures was convened at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon in Messrs Hurst and Go.'s warehouse, Queen-gtreet. The following ercntlemen weie present: — Messrs G. Shirley (Buckland and Co.), \Y. S. Laurie, J. Lamb, W. Gunson, A. Laybourn, T. Steadman, T. Patterson, K. T. Warnock, Esam and Grainger/ Mr Laiuie was voted to the chair. He explained that the meeting had been ca.lled to consider a matter of importance to the trade. It was stated in the local papers that in reply to a deputation which waited upon him, the Hon.' Mr Richardson had piomised to instruct Sir James Hector to draft a clause for insertion in the Trade Mark's Bill the object of which would be to compel selleis of artificial manures toenclose in every package a certificate of quality and the character of the contends, and also providing a penalty for "fals,^ or, fraudulent certificate. He said he need haidly point out that this would be nob only unworkable, but was also aslur upon the tiade, which he contended was as high as any other in Auckland." While he sympathised with the farmer in his efforts to get fair value for his money, still he thought the imputation was unfair to them as a body. Of course there might be black sheep as in other trades, but they must not sutler for the •niongs of others. Io would be advisable for them to take some action in the matter, and therefore the meeting had been called. Mr Esam moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting the clause proposed to be inserted in the Trade Marks Bill with' reference to artifical manures is totally impracticable." Mr Shirley seconded the motion, which was adopted without discussion. Mr John Lamb moved, '' That the Minister be lespectfully requested to telegraph copy of proposed clause." This was .seconded by Mr A, Laybourn, and adopted unanimously, Mr R. T. Warnock moved, "That the representatives of the district be lcquested to oppose buch an arbitary law being enacted until the persons affected thereby have had an opportunity of considering such an important question." Mr Patterson seconded the motion. The Chairman said that it would be utterly impracticable to put an analysis in every sack, and therefore he considered chat those interested should have been consulted in the matter. The motion was adopted. Mr Stcadman's representative moved, and Mr Gunson seconded, "Thac this meeting being thoroughly representative of the manufacturers and importers of artificial manures, desire to place on record the opinion that the fertilisers supplied in this district have, on the whole, been genuine quality, and sold on their respective merits." Mr Esam said that it should be publicly reported that the shipments ot artificial manures which were landed in Auckland were regularly analysed. This motion was also adopted, and it was further resolved to forward a copy of the resolutions to Mr JB\ Lawry to communicate with other members, and also to telegraph copy to the Minister ot Lands.

A new dry clock is to be constructed at Valparaiso (Chili) at a cost of 4,000,000 ' dollars, and the Chilian Government is in negotiation with a French company for the establishment of electric lighthouses. The lighthouses are estimated to cost 3,500,000 pesos, and the Government intends to provide for this outlay by a tax on shipping", as it is held that shipping will be excluoively benefited by it. Ab bhe same time, in view of the favourable results and increasing profits arising out of the coastal nitrate trade, the reduction of some dues • and taxes, and the total abolition of others, is in contemplation. Some men are smart because of what they say. Others arc a great deal smarter beciwse of what they don't say.