The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1931-01-26
PROPOSE. STANDARD
SYSTEM OF GRADING
POTATOES IN STATE
Senators Brunsdale and Bros.
tuen Seek to Amend Law
Covering Sale Of 'Spuds'

A proposal to establish q Standard
lied and uniform system Of grading,
labelling and inspection of potatoes
and other produce. and to regulate
the sale and distribution Of potatoes
In closed containers was introduced
in the senate by Senator'S G. N.
Brunsdale Of Mayville, and ]. x.
Brostuen Of Alexander.
Two other measures by Senator'S
Brunsdale and Brostuen provide for
licensing of potato dealers and their
regulation by the state seed depart
ment.
The measures set forth that this
standardization Is necessary to de
velop and protect the industries in
this state engaged In the growing and
marketing of potatoes and other pro-
duce and to conserve and promote the
welfare of the citizens Of the state"
Under the bill the state seed COM
missioner is authorized and empow-
cred to establish grades and inspection
service for the purpose of making In
spections on. and otherwise provid-
ing for proper handling and Market
ing of potatoes and "other produce"
defined as natural products Of the
farm, garden and orchard, exclusive
of grain, pure seeds, livestock and
livestock products"
Would Appoint Assistants
The seed commissioner would be
authorized to appoint a chief inspec-
tor and such other agents and assist
ants as necessary to assist him In n
forcing and carrying out the provi-
sions of the act.
The act designates as official and
standard grades for North Dakota,
the following potatoes: U. s. fancy;
u. s. No. 1: U. S. No. 2: North Da-
kota certified seed; North Dakota
extra No. l. and unclassified.
The commissioner and his agents."
the proposed act reads, shall have
the authority to enter and have free
access upon and into any private or
public premises or structures and the
vehicles Of any public or private car
riers, including sealed or unsealed
freight cars, to make examinations or
inspections of any potatoes or other
produce that is being graded,
handled, packed, stored, offered for
sale or consignment, exposed for sale,
shipped or delivered for shipment,
whether the said commodities are up
on the premises or in possession or
custody Of any person other than the
shipper or owner thereof and shall
have the privilege to take samples Of
the aforesaid commodities Of suffi-
cient quantity for testing or inspect
ing"
Would Regulate Fees
The commissioner is empowered to
regulate fees that shall be charged for
making grade inspections. the fees to
be uniform throughout the state. The
maximum fee per carload or truck
load not in excess Of q standard
freight carlot quantity Is set at "a for
potatoes, and S. for other produce.
The commissioner may designate by
regulation, as official potato ship
Ment inspection points OF areas, any
point or station, or all points or sta
tons within a county. Or at points
which the majority of potato shippers
at a public hearing shall favor.
Power of seizure Is given the com-
missioner and his agents where pota-
toes or any other produce are wrong
fully labelled, branded, OF tagged as
to grade and quality.
Refusal to accept on agreed terms
any shipment Of potatoes or other
produce which has been contracted
for constitutes a violation Of the act.
The penalty for interfering with the
commissioner or his agents in carry
ing out provisions of the law is a fine
Of 500 for the first offense, and not
more than $500 for subsequent Of
lenses.
An appropriation Of $4,000 Is car
RED in the measure for administer
ing the act. Two companion measures
ny Senators Brunsdale and Brostuen
provide for licensing, bonding, regu-
lating and defining wholesale potato
dealers and defines the powers Of the
state seed commissioner In connec-
ton with carrying out provisions Of
the law.
Check Bill Passes
A bill to make effective the present
law providing for penalties for issuing
checks with insufficient bank funds
was passed by the senate Saturday.
The effect of the measure Is to
strike from the prevailing law the
emergency clause which operated to
make prosecution under the act prac-
tically impossible.
Issuing a check or draft with in
sufficient funds would be q felony
if the amount is ove $50, and a mis-
demeanor if under $50.
Eight other bills were approved by
the senate.
These include:
Measures appropriating $4,000 for
the Florence C%rittenton home at
Fargo; appropriating 10000 for the
North Dakota Children's Home socie-
ty at Fargo; re-enacting an appro-
priation of $35, 900 for construction OF
a bridge across the Red River In
Walsh county, N. d.; appropriating
$10,0 900 toward construction OF q
bridge across the Missouri river at or
rear Elbowoods on highway No. 8;
and appropriating $4,000 for the
North Dakota Firemen's association.
Presidential Yacht
tMayflOWer' Damaged