72 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1917. 



and on investigation it was discovered that the fertilizer was not regis- 

 tered. Furthennore, the label and invoice certificate did not agree. 

 Proceedings were instituted, and a conviction obtained. 



It is necessary for the vendor to give to the purchaser of any artificial 

 manure in quantity over 56 lbs., at the time of sale or before delivery 

 of any part thereof, an invoice certificate^ guaranteeing the percentage of 

 fertilizing constituents present in the fertilizer. Several cases of non- 

 compliance with this section of the Act came under notice, and in one 

 instance it was found that the manure sold was of very low grade. Pro- 

 ceedings were instituted, and fines inflicted. 



Tbe following table gives particulars of two successful prosecutions 

 this season under the adulterating sections of the Act, viz., 16 and 17 : — 



Incluiing 3.75 per cent, water soluble. 



The information in this table speaks for itself, but to the manufacturer 

 intent on adulteration or mixing the penalties are paid without any 

 trouble, for he knows that a few tons of the adulterated article, when 

 sold, will amply compensate the fine. 



As an illustration, a manufacturer was fined for adulteration in the 

 years 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, and 191.5. During seven years repeated 

 prosecutions have cost this factory, approximately, £180, and yet the 

 factory works on, apparently earning large profits. 



Whilst it is eminently satisfactoi-y to report all simple manures 

 manufactured or imported into the State as being of excellent quality, 

 the fact remains that the tendency to " mix " or " break down " is still 

 in vogue, and the farmer is not reaping any benefit from the process. 



Briefly, it may be taken that the breaking down or mixing operation 

 is a mode of procedure by which the percentage profits is largely 

 increased. 



