TRICKS OF TRADE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2423, 21 January 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

TRICKS OF TRADE.

The annual report of the Sydney Inspector of Weights and Measures generally gives a good deal of information as to the " tricks of trade," In his latest report ho says :—" Tea is now being specially ordered to contain 351b, and is sold to consumers at 401b, A ounning scheme is said to be practised with tobacco. The plugs are supposed to be made at eight, ten, or twelve to the pound. Now, if nine, eleven nor thirteen be made, tlnia when tcus are given for Jib, not weighed, of course; the profit is obvious. Jams, are of varied weights and ijiiality, costing from 4d to Sd per tin, some being actually unfit for human food. Coffee, spice, and similar gods sold in tins are almost always sold gross weight. Thus Is Gd to 4s per lb is given for (•.sinister*. Fruit still continues to be ef deficient measure in the market, for which no means aro apparently provided to prevent. It would appear that th.jve is urgent need for some system of affording better protection to purchasers of bulk goods at the fruit and vegetable markets. Potatoes, onions, peas, beans and measured fruits are almost invariably short of their proper quantities. Among other things brought under my notice are serious complaints concerning practices obtaining in the sale of jewellery. On inquiry, loading business men state that it is almost impossible to sell hoiie.slly-mude gold articles, because rolled gold, niiiß, or even seven, carut gold, are openly marked fifteen or eighteen, and sold as such. 'Brummagem ' and like descriptions of ware are sold as hand.Horaa solid gold, yet filled iusidu with lead, or other base metal. Numbers of persous iuako a good living here in fixing up those iroofK"