THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1858.

Colonist, Issue 97, 24 September 1858, Page 2

THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1858.

A reference to the London newspapers would shew an attention to a subject which seems to be almost utterly forgotten by the authorities here, viz., the supervision of weights and measures. Legislation in this matter by our Provincial Council is, we are aware, prevented; but we are given to understand, that an Act passed by the Legislative Council of New Zealand is in existence, and requires only the authority of the Governor to bring it into operation here. We should be sorry to intimate for one minute that any of our storekeepers are wilfully guilty of using any false weights, and hope that they will look upon these remarks with no other feeling than that it is a subject which should be brought forward for the benefit of all. That there should be some recognised standard, no one will dispute ; and we should then have the means of correcting the errors which are now frequent. In London this has been lately thought a matter of considerable importance, and most active steps are taken to ensure a fair scale. The inspectors are constantly examining, and as it is the rule of the Press there to publish all offenders names, a very considerable improvement has taken placed Some of the articles which we purchase here, we buy by guess work. Take for instance, a ton of coals; this is entirely a matter of speculation. The subject is one that does not need much amplification, and it would hardly be right to assume that there is a connivance when there ai-e no means of correction. This is a matter which though the Provincial Council cannot legislate ' upon, they can certainly in some form or other bring before the notice of the authorities irTAuck"lah'd. It is an instance where the bad effects of a self-government having its hands tied is well shewn. If we had more powers granted to the Province, we should be : enabled to arrange such minor matters ourselves; or if we were all under one Government, with merely local boards for local purposes, we should have them arranged, for us. If it be properly represented to his Excellency the Governor, no doubt we shall have the Act already passed put in force. In this province, it will be useful for more purposes than one ; it will enable the tradesman who misdoubts his own balance to correct it, and the purchaser to secure .his jnst quantity. We feel we are justified in calling the public attention to the matter; opinions are frequently expressed in private about it, and a general feeling seems to prevail that some measures should be taken to secure a supervision in such matters. In this, as in every other case, it is usually the subject most talked about which is last brought forward. No one contradicts the usefulness of some such superintendence, but as the old proverb says, "that which is everybody's business is nobody's business," and ao the question

slumbers.

It then remains for the Press to assume the initiative, and propose the carrying out tho point. We do not expect to find one dissentient voice raised against us in these remarks, and will now leave the matter la the hands of the inhabitants

as the mo3t interested. It needs, we believe, but the one word to start some movement, and having done that, conceive that our duty is performed, and the matter can be forwarded by those most

capable