Evening journal., 1911-08-04
NEED OF new new
MARKET LAWS
Retiring Clerk Of Market
Makes Recommendations
to City Council

In making his monthly and last re-
port TO City Council last night the
retiring Cler kof Market Thurston NJ
Lowe made some recommendations 70
CounciI which will be taken up ~
c.mmittee meeting Of that body as a
whole. His communication follows.
I feel it my duty TO call your hon
orable body's attention 70 a few re-
Communications calling for changes IN
tho laws regulating the street mar
kefs of this city, and also regulating
the size Of measures used therein
From experience gained during my
pasf two years as Clerk Of the Mar
kets. I believe these recommended
tions. II carried out, viii result to the
public good.
Birst:-It is not ne'aily known
that three sizes of baskets are used IN
the markets, which are commonly
known as peach-baskets. This, never
fheless, is true, the sizes being As,
5-S and monkey baskets. A purchaser
believes he is getting a full size bas-
ket (1-2 bushel). but he generally gets
monkey basket when buying at a
reduced rate. thus purchasing at least
a half peck short Of the full measure.
I respectfully recommend that a
state law be passed providing for the
manufacture and sale Of a one-sized
basket, /. e., one-half bushel basket.
as smaller baskets are used solely tor
tho purpose Of deceiving the pur-
chaser.
1t also should be a criminal offense
for a merchant to sell or have in his
possession less than the regulation
size basket. (1-2 busheD, and for so
doing be punishable by a fine and con-
fiscation. This should also apply TO
other measures the size Of which is
regulated by law.
Second The Clerk Of the Markets
should have authority TO inspect mea-
sures sold by merchants IN this city.
II has been my experience that mer-
chants sell measures to people who
stand IN the markets which are not
right, the use OF which only leads 70
the rublic being defrauded.
have had occasion to visit mer-
chants selling monkey measures. AMI
upon their being requested by me to
discontinue the sale OF the same.
have been told IL was none of my
no power 70 act.
The selling Of monkey measures
should also be a criminal offense
punishable by a fine and confiscation.
Third The Clerk OF the Markets
should also have power to adjust dis
putes as 70 size Of baskets. measures
and weights arising between con-
sumers. merchants and hucksters
within the city. He should also have
the power to make arrest and con-
fiscate unlawful measures. etc.
IT has been my experience TO see
measures used that / knew were
monkey measures, outside of the
street marekts, but had no authority
to act
Fourth. Owing TO the crowded con.
dltion OF that portion of Fourth street
used. for the Jersey markets, / re
snectfully recommend that this mar
ket be extended to either French oil
Walnut streets. between Fourth ant
Sixth
I also recommend that the wharf
which was recently purchased by the
city at Church street. be placed In 4
proper condition by dredging, and
that a shed be built for the protection
of the shipping After this is don'
proper fee should be charged for the
use thereof.
Fifth. With reference 70 the pro
posed ordinance presented by tn,
Board OF Health TO Council. for pas,
sage. providing for the screening o.
he - ta1 IN loo
desire to say II IL becomes a Law
It will burden some OF the merchant
with a hardship that would be un
reasonable ana cause many to dis
continue business, and / believe
would be impossible to conduct
street market under this ordinance.
II the public demands such al
ordinance. It is my opinion that I
will be impossible to conduct tn
street markets and would necessitat
the city building two or more marke
houses for the use of the farmers nov
using the street markets.
I trust these recommendations vii
meet with the approval of your Hon
orable body, and that you will us
your best efforts to have them enacte
into laws, and by SO doing the publ
win be benefited.
7 desire to express my sincere ap
probation 10 CounciLs the chief q
police and his department, farmer
and business men using the markets
for the courteous manner in whic
they have assisted me In my dutie
~ the benefit of the public.
Respectfully submitted by.
Thurston NJ. Lowe,
Clerk Of the Markets.