210 
Weights and Measures [no. 4, new series, 
localities where the Act did not as yet apply, and if the Metrical 
system adopted, be one which conforms to English Weights and 
Measures, compliance would be the more easily afforded. 
The Enactment should authorise only struck Measure, without 
making heaped measure actually illegal. By clause 7, Act 5th and 
6th, Wm. IV. cap. 63, ail bargains, sales, and contracts made by the 
heaped measure are declared null and void : and every person who 
sella any article by the heaped measure, is liable to a penalty of £2. 
Considering the repugnance of the Natives of India to struck measure, 
it would not be advisable at present io make such stringent provi- 
sions, but it should be distinctly notified that th^.jSystem is adapted 
only to siriicJc measure, that no purchaser l^as a right to demand 
any other, and that in any suit or action, where Measures of Capaci- 
ty are called in question, the law will recognise none but struck 
measure. It will also be of importance carefully to explain to the 
Native trooops what the new Weights and Measures are, and that 
none but struck measure will be recognised in rations or allowances. 
With regard to dealings in grain, there is no doubt that weighing 
is a more accurate test of value than measurement, but the latter 
is so much more expeditious and convenient, that it will always be 
resorted to by the Natives of India, especially as long as the present 
rudeness of their Balances remains unimproved. In England and 
Ireland, corn is always sold by weight in the wholesale transactions 
of large Towns, and many of the difficulties that occur in the Grain 
Contracts of the Indian Commissariat would be obviated, if their 
purchases were made by weight. The sale of salt by weight, in 
the levy of the Excise, should also be insisted on. 
Magistrates should be empowered under the new Act, to appoint 
Inspectors, but no penalties should be inflicted except where the 
Weights or Measures were tested in the presence of the Magistrate, 
or his Deputy, and it would be well to deal leniently in all cases 
where there was no wilful error, fraudulent intent, or repetition 
of ofFenca^ 
It may be expected that when the time comes for enforcing the 
operation of the Act, some attempt will be made in the large towns, 
to resist it, by a combination of the grain dealers to close their shops 
as has been tried on some occasions with success. Provision for 
this should be made in the Act. 
