Norwich bulletin., 1914-05-29

" Thomas B. Donohue Is distributing . leafiet which he has issued entitled Wsights and Measures va. the High Cost of Living. It tells the story of the present system of looking after the accuracy ot weights and measures in this stato and advises housekeepers as to the proper manner in which to make purchases. The contents are in part as follows:
 The honest merchant is glad to have you investigate his methods of doing business and will gladly rectify any mistakes made by him. It is your duty to the honest merchant, as well as to yourself. to check the weight of all commodities purchased by you. You may be able to stand a shortage in weight. but what about the unpro- tected poor in the neighborhood? Mis- takes will happen in the best regulat- ed stores, and you should not be too ready to believe that all mistakes are the result of dishonesty. Get acquaint- ed with your county sealer. P. H. Morgan of Mystic, or your city sealer. and report to them any shortage you may find in your dealings with the merchant It is their duty to pro- tect you, and believe you will nnd them ready and willing to do so.
 Watch the Scales.
 The dealer who makes a practice of buOII WclSut lS n0t diW4yb, III IdCt III a majority of cases, Is not the man with the fraudulent scale or measure. but is often found with the most ap- proved type He relies upon his clev- CT manipulation of the approved scale. or the negligence of the buyer, in short weighing them out of few cents on each purchase This he &C., the use of the set screw or levelfng device on the scale, change the point CT so that 1t sets ahead of zero an ounce or two. The consumer would lose the amount the scale was set ahead. Before buying over scale see that the pointer is at zero. The scale he is using may be so sensitive and he may place the commodity on the pan for such short length of time that the buyer has no time to judge the reading on the scale. In this case the dealer would give the was heaviest Bee that the scale comes to rest before the weight is taken. The merchant may take advantage of the buyers negligence in not asking the price per pound. Upon being con- fronted he may raise the price per pound so as to fit the weight given. Always inquire the price per pound and buy only by weight, measure or numerical count. Never buy by the sack, package, load, roll pail or the 's25 cents worth" These terms mean nothing. Be definite in your pur-
 Public Cooperation Desired.
 Your hearty cooperation in the en- forcement of this much needed legis- lation Is very much desired, and you can very greatly assist by reporting any case of your county or city or to the once of the state department at Hartford You will be protected not only by the prosecution of the offend CT when the facts warrant a prosecu- ton, but by the making good of any loss sustained by you when it is possi- bse to do so.
 Your business dealings with the state department can be as confidential as YOU choose to make them. and you need have no fear of your name be- ing used unless at your request.
 In order to properly protect your self against the short weight fraud, it will be necessary to provide yourself with a good accurate scale of aboue 20 pounds capacity, and have it tested by the city or county sealer in order to be sure that it Is accurate. Reweigh the commodities purchased by you and you will find that the scale has paid for itself many times the first year.
 A scale that will not weigh the same on every part of the platform is not accurate and will be a detriment rather than a benefit. Buy as good a scale as you can afford and have it tested by the sealer. Reweigh your purchase, and if found short of the proper weight notify your city or county sealer or the state department of weights and measures, Hartford. Conn.
 How to Detect Fraudulent Weight
 The very best weighing and measur- ing devices are susceptible of manipu- iatien by the dealer after they have been approved by the sealer. Always see that the pointer on the scale Is set at zero, that the commodity being weigher Is placed wholly on the scale pan or plate and that the vendors hands are free from the scales. If in doubt at any time as to the correctness of the weight, veryfy 1t by weighing on another scale that has bee napproved by the sealer. If the weight is not correct, notify the city or county seaier or the state department at Hart I'd, Conn.,, who will be pleased to be of service to you.
 When ordering groceries. meats or other commodities order them by weight, measure or numerical count.
 The ice you buy should be weighed
 Insist on correct weight
 Be careful when buying "bargains." !"
 Bargains in the way of leaders put out by the legitimate merchant are oc- many cases the so-called advertised bargains are. due to the fact that they