THE BREAD QUESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 106, 19 February 1870, Page 5

THE BREAD QUESTION.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times).

Sir, — About twelve months ago, several letters appeared in the columns of your newspaper on the bread question, which I believe had the desired effect of lowering the price from one shilling to ninepence a 41b. loaf. The latter price obtained for a considerable time, when by a combination of the bakers the price was again raised to one shilling. It is not my intention so much at present to complain of the price charged, or the deficiency in weight, as of the very inferior article supplied. At the present market rate of flour, as compared with the price of the 41b. loaf, I consider the bakers here have not the shadow of an excuse for supplying their customers with bad bread. Well, sir, what are the facts of the case ? A considerable portion of the bread lately supplied in Lawrence has been unfit for human food, and I consider it a disgrace to men calling themselves bakers selling such unpalatable, unwholesome, indigestible trash. Since Mr. Constable Smith was transferred to Switzers, I am not aware of any person having been appointed in his place as Inspector of Weights and Measures ; but the necessity for some one in the district to closely watch the public interests in this, as in other matters, is quite apparent. But whether the full compliment of weight is given or not, whether the price is ninepence or or a shilling, by all means let us have bread that will not act as a slow poison on the human system, such as that now supplied to many of the Tuapeka inhabitants. — I am. &c. f Breadbater, Tuapeka, Feb. 17, 1870.