The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. TUESDAY, DEC. 18, 1888.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2565, 18 December 1888, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

TUESDAY, DEC. 18, 1888.

Equal and exact justice to all men, Ot whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political.

During tlie last week or two there have been serious complaints made of the quality and purity of the manures manufactured by the New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company. We have been informed that samples were recently forwarded to the Lincoln Agricultural College, in Canterbury, for analysis, and that they were found to be very far below the guarantee. Samples were also submitted to Mr Pond,of Auckland, so we understand, with the result that his analysis proved the 25 per cent, superphosphate to be three per cent, only, and the 32 per cent, manure only seven per sent. If these charges can be substantiated no terms would be sufficiently strong to condemn the dishonesty of such practices. We have, however, received a letter from the manager of the chemical works at Otahuhu in explanation of some of these allegations. With reference to the tests of .samples quoted by us, Mr Symons submits that to have fair tests made, sealed samples should be taken in the presence of a representative of the Company, as otherwise an opening would be given for unfair practices in favour of rival manures. An analysis of the Company's manures taken in September last, at the request of a customer, gave the following result, which is above the standard :—

Analysis of Freezing Company's 32 per cent. Phosphate Made Soluble, Made by Mr Pond, 13th September, ISBS : per cent. Bi-phosphate of lime 23'7 Equal to phosphate made soluble... 3S'l Nitrogen equal to ammonia ... 0.7 Analysis of Sample of Fref.zino Company's Bonedust Made Same Date : per cent. Moisture ... ... ... ... 6'Bo "Organic matter 31'43 Phosphate of lime 53'00 Carbonates of lime and magnesia... 6'oo Insoluble matter and sand I'B7 100.0 *Containing nitrogen equal to ammonia 412 Besides the charges alluded above, there are others from different quarters of adulteration to a very serious extent. In one large order of guano supplied by the Company, there was a considerable admixture of scoria, gravel and sand. These may be the result of unfortunate accident, for which the Company are not to be blamed. Perhaps, before commenting any further on the rumours and feelings of dissatisfacfaotion which have become general in the Waikato, we will be acting discreetly in awaiting the enquiries and investigation that will follow this exposure. The manager, Mr Symons, is now in the Waikato for the purpose of probing the matter, and no doubt we will hear more particulars and gain a further insight into these charges in a few days.