View report page

Of the samples sold as butter which were not genuine 4 were samples of margarine
and 3 contained water in excess of the 16 per cent, standard ; the other 2
were samples of butter containing foreign fats in large amounts. Prosecutions were
instituted in 8 instances and in 6 convictions were obtained. In 1 case the summons
was dismissed, the defence proving a warranty, and in the second case the defendant
absconded and could not be traced. The penalties inflicted amounted to £23, or
7.9 per cent, of the maximum penalties to which the defendants were liable, as compared
with 9 4 per cent, in 1909, 16.3 in 1908, 15.6 in 1907, 12 in 1906, 17 in 1905,
10 in 1904, 18 in 1903, and 17 in 1902. Including the costs, which amounted to
£3 13s., the amounts imposed by the magistrates averaged £4 18s., as compared with
£4 0s. 9d. in 1909, £4 6s. in 1908, £4 6s. 7d. in 1907, £5 3s. in 1906, £7 Is. in 1905,
£5 3s. in 1906, £7 Is. in 1905, £3 Is. in 1904, £4 10s. in 1903, and £4 10s. in 1902.
Eight samples of margarine were taken, and in 5 instances proceedings were
instituted for selling margarine in a wrapper not bearing the word "margarine"
legibly stamped upon it. as required by the Margarine Act; in each case a conviction
was obtained. In another case proceedings were not pressed, the defendant
paying the Council £1 15s. 6d. costs. The fines under the Margarine Act amounted
to less than 1 per cent, of the maximum penalties to which the defendants were liable.
Including costs, the amounts paid averaged 15s., as compared with £1 12s. 5d. in
1909 and £1 4s 6d. in 1908.
Of the 20 samples sold as coffee 7 were found to be mixtures of coffee with
varying amounts of chicory. Proceedings were taken in each case, and in 6 convictions
were obtained. One summons was dismissed, the magistrate being satisfied
on the evidence that the purchaser had been informed at the time of purchase that
the article was a mixture of coffee and chicory. Of the 13 symples of tea dust, 5 were
found to contain sand and ferruginous matter in varying amounts up to 6 per cent.
In the case of 1 sample which contained 6 per cent, of sand proceedings were taken
and a conviction was obtained, but without fine or costs.