10 Feb., 1917.] Inspection under the Aili/iciiil Fertilizers Act. 



67 



.scaled off at the guaranteed weight did not establish his case, and a 

 penalty was inflicted. Tn this instancj. we liave a manufacturer selling 

 water with the fertilizer, and indirecT.iv charging for the water. 



During last season som«'. forty samples of the various fertilizers were 

 colliicted, the majority being obtained at the suburban consigning 

 stations. A casual glance at the apjjendi'd analytical results will serve 

 to .show the mauupr in which the samples conformed to the requirements 

 of the Fertilizers Act. With the results of analysis, the guarantee of 

 eacli fertilizer is given, together with details as regards the price charged, 

 the calculated value per ton from analysis, and the actual guaranteed 

 value, the latter being computed from the actual label guarantee. 



During the season 5 per cent, of the samples collected were found 

 to be adulterated beyond the limits allowed by the Act. This in a 

 normal vear would not be deemed satisfactory, but, taking into considera- 

 tion the grave difficulties with which the farming community are at 

 present contending, one can only remark " more is the pity." 



Whilst the manufacturers of simple manures deserve credit for the 

 fair manner in which they treat the farmer, both as regards guarantee 

 and weight, there are some unscrupulous persons who are resorting to 

 " mixing " or " breaking down " in such a manner that the fertilizer, 

 on being placed on the market, has lost all semblance to its original 

 state. Making large profits, these people are content to be prosecuted 

 occasionally, well knowing that the maximum penalty under the Act, 

 viz., £50, can be borne with a smile and without seriously prejudicing 

 the bank balance. 



The " breaking down " process is nothing more or less than adultera- 

 tion, and if a manure cauuob be produced in its pure condition at a fair 

 profit, its manufacture sliould not be undertaken at all. 



In the list appended it will be noticed approximately 50 per cent, 

 of the samples collected were taken from consignments or stocks of 

 superphosphates, showing the popularity of this simple fertilizer. 



These were being forwarded to all parts of the State, and include 

 consignments to the Riverina. 



The following table shows the highly satisfactory manner in which 

 the Victorian farmer has been treated as far as the purchase of this 

 fertilizer is concerned: — 



Superphosphates. 



Average 



Price 

 Charged 

 per Ton. 



£ s. d. 



Average 



Guaranteed 



Value 



per Ton, 



Average 



Value 

 per Ton 



of 

 Collected 

 Samples. 



£ s. d. 



476 4 10 94 13 9 



I 



1 2 



