The daily gazette., 1880-06-04
A SUBJECT OF IMPORTANCE
TO ALL BUYERS AND CONSUMERS IN
THIS CITY.

THIS CITY.
For the Gazette.
Mr.. EDITOR - Please allow me
space in your popular paper to ask
whose business it is to look after the
weights and measures used in our mar
kets by farmers and all classes of
dealers. The quart measure looks
very small, also the half peck. This
is matter that demands the atten-
tion of all consumers, and if there is a
regulator for New Castle County his
services are badly needed in Whining
ton. Chapter 60 of the Revised Code
prescribes the duties of the Regulators
ofweights and measures, and fxes the
salary for the same at one hundred
and seventy-five dollars per annum, 60
be paid by the Levy Court. l think
it wise and for the public good to quote
the law as found on page 1858, chapter
SO, Revised Code
"SEC. 2. A Regulator of weights and
measures for each county, shall be ap-
pointed by the Governor, for the term
of four years. The said regulator
shall be sworn, or affirmed, to perform
the duties of his office faithfully and
impartially. He shall, within thirty
days from his appointment, give bond
to the State, with sufficient surety, to
be approved by the Governor, in the
SUM of one thousand dollars, condi-
toned for the faithful performance of
duties of his Office, and il such bond
be not filed in the Secretary's office
within the time aforesaid, his commits
sion shall be void"
"SEo. 8. He shall, next year, and
every second year thereafter in the
months of September and October, ap-
point time in three of the most pub
lie places in each Hundred of this
County for regulating by and with the
duplicate standards aforesaid, without
charge, any weights and measures,
scales, balances, or other weighing ap-
paratus, that may be brought him;
and shall stamp the same plainly with
the letter IS" and the initial of his
County. He shall give twenty days
notice of these appointments by, five
advertisements in the Hundreds re-
spectfully. He shall, in like manner,
at all other times, regulate such
weights and measures, scales, or bal
ances, as may be brought to him, OF
of which he may have knowledge. And
he shall diligently inquire for all un'
stamped weights and measures, scales,
and balances. which are used within
his County for buying or selling"
"SEC. A. The regulator shall be paid
| for his service, annually one hundred
and seventy-tve dollars in New Castle
County, to be paid by the Levy
Court"
"SEc. 3. If any person shall buy, sci
or barter, by any weight or measure
| scale, balance, or other Weighing appar-
: atus, that has not been duly regulated
and stamped, or II any person shall make
I or use false stamp, or brand, for stamp
ing weights, or measures, he shall forfeit
and pay five dollars, to any one who will
sue for the same.'
SEC. o. Each regulator of weights auC
measures, shall preserve and keep, il
good order, the duplicate standards be-
| longing to the County, and the balance:
| furnished him for regulating weights
and he shall attend, with said duplicate
standards, at the Office OF the Secretary
of State, when required by him, in writ
Ing, so to do, for the purpose of having
them regulated by the originals"
The above is a copy Of the law, and II
is of little use in its present shape. In
the first place the salary is entirely toe
small to warrant any man appointed a.
regulator to even pay expenses, as all the
hundreds have 10 be visited, which re
quires much travel aud much time il
each place. The City of Wilmington
would require at least one month. 4
subject of so much importance requires
the attention of all citizans."
The ordinance of this city prescribin
| the duties of the clerk of the market
page 252, Sec. IL, requires the clerk q
weigh, try and examine, etc, but not Il
alter any weight or measure used TO
buying or selling. If he finds measure
too small or a weight too light, he ma!
inform on such persons, but fail to flint
| it to he his duty to alter any weight o
measure,
| am satisfied the Council could, by al
ordinance, empower the clerk to alte
and regulate weights and measures
Page SO of the City Charter, states tha
the Council may provide for the weigh
ing of hay, and tor the measuring O
weighing of coal, lime, grain, or an,
other matter 9old In the said city. Is |
about time that many of the tin cup
used as quart measures and old half peel
measures were inspected by some one
And undoubtedly, all such weights ant
measures used should bear the stamp re
quired by law, or the reason should be
made known why any and all sorts O
things are used contrary to law. 1t II
important to know who is the regulate
for this County, and where he resides.
CONSUMER.