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In the early part of 1903 a change was made in the
administration of the Food and Drugs Acts. Formerly, it
was the practice for the eight District Inspectors to take
samples in turn, but last year it was thought advisable that
the work should be carried out by Inspectors selected to devote
special attention to the problem of detecting the adulterating
traders. During the greater part of the year the samples
were taken by Inspectors Chuter and Herrin, who devoted a
great deal of time and thought to the work, with the result
that the percentage of samples found to be adulterated was
considerably increased. By the exercise of a little strategy
these Inspectors were able to secure the conviction of several
traders who had for some time prided themselves on the
success with which they had evaded the law.
During the hot weather the operations were hampered by
the difficulty experienced in preventing samples of milk (some
of which were almost certainly adulterated) from turning sour
while in course of delivery to the Public Analyst, and
becoming, therefore, unfit for analysis. To meet this difficulty
Inspector Herrin has invented an ingenious ice-box, which
has been constructed by the Works Department, and will no
doubt be found of great service during the coming summer.
Inspector Herrin has also invented a special bottle with a
metal cap which has been found very useful.
The employment of special Inspectors having proved a
success, it was decided at the end of the year to continue the
work permanently on these lines. At the same time the
number of samples taken yearly was increased from 500 to
700. As this number of samples was not sufficient to occupy
the whole time of an Inspector in Food and Drugs work, it
was decided that the Inspector appointed for this work should
also inspect the slaughter-houses, butcher shops, and other
premises where food is prepared, and as Inspector Chuter had
recently obtained the Meat Inspector's Certificate of the
Sanitary Institute, and had moreover, displayed considerable
energy and ability in his Food and Drugs work, it was decided
to appoint him to perform these duties and to advertise for an.
Inspector for No. 2 Sanitary District.