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182 Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
This would seem to be an argument against the employment
of a deputy, but if the Table is more closely studied it will be
seen that almost all the adulterated samples procured by the
Inspector were samples of milk, and these were chiefly purchased
on the street where the dealer could not possibly refuse to sell.
Exclusive of milk 353 samples were taken, of which 25 or
7.0 per cent, were adulterated. 71 of these were taken by the
Inspector and only three or 4.2 per cent, were found to be adulterated.
282 samples were purchased by deputy and of these 22
or 7 8 per cent, were found to be adulterated.
Another question which has been a vexed one during the
year has been the very inadequate fines which have in many cases
been inflicted by the Magistrate. A reference to the Table of
proceedings taken, in which the offence is detailed and the amount
of fine specified, shows that the amount of fine inflicted bears in
many cases no direct proportion to the seriousness of the offence.
The Council, on the recommendation of the Public Health
Committee, called the attention of the Home Secretary to these
inadequate fines.
In conclusion, I am pleased to be able to report that the
whole of the work of the Department was carried out by the
Inspectors and the Clerical Staff to my entire satisfaction.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
P. CALDWELL SMITH.
Medical Officer of Health.