Tin: MONTHLY 1:1 I LETIN. 99 



Agriculture, which decision is commonly known as the Federal Net Container Act, 

 ami I am of the opinion that in even) the state fails in enforcing or would cause 

 to be suspended the provisions of the Net Container Act, thai the federal act would 

 be operative and enforced under federal authority. 



The statement of contents on containers is calculated to protect purchasers of 

 any commodity against deception as to quantity or amount of commodity purchased, 

 when such commodity is packed in a container. Unless such statement is made, it is 

 impossible for a purchaser to determine the quantity purchased. The indication of 



contents is essentially in the interest of legitimate c petition, and while it offers 



a substantial safeguard to the purchasing public against deception as to quantity, 



it provides equally as essential a protection for the 1 kers against commercial mis- 



conduct, deception, and fraud. 



Since the inception of this department, a mosl liberal ('durational policy has been 

 established and maintained, thereby offering to those who are amenable to the 

 requirements of the Net Container Act, convenient opportunity to adjust themselves 

 to such requirements. There appears to be, however, a general lack of concern iu 

 the application of this law, which calls for more rigid enforcement. General 

 instructions will be issued by this department at an early date to all weights and 

 measures officials of the stale of California, directing their attention to prevent any 

 violation of the Net Container Act The educational policy will be suspended, and 

 any person violating the provisions of the law will be prosecuted. 



This is a good law. prepared and enforced wholly in the interest of legitimate 

 trade and honest competition. Its usefulness, however, is greatly conditioned upon 

 uniform application in all containers of commodities coming within its provisions. 

 Those who are complying with these provisions are entitled to the protection which 

 the law provides for, and they are going t<> have it. 

 Sincerely yours, 



Chas. G. Johnson, 

 Slate Superintendent of Weights and Measures. 



