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55
Of the 22 samples of malt vinegar 17 were returned as not malt vinegar. In 16
instances summonses were taken against the vendors, and in 12 convictions were
obtained, the offence being the sale of vinegar other than malt vinegar when the
latter was asked for. In three instances the summonses were withdrawn under
instructions from the Health Committee, and in 1 case the summons was dismissed,
the magistrate believing that vinegar and not malt vinegar had been asked for.
Two of the samples of tinned salmon contained minute amounts of tin found
on analysis in the salmon and the samples of pork pie, steak pie, sausage and brawn
showed the presence of varying amounts of boric acid. The quantities were, however,
not sufficient to render it likely that legal proceedings could be instituted with any
prospect of success.
The samples of cocoa, chicory, pepper, lard, tea, ale, pickle, cayenne pepper
and olive oil were returned as genuine. The samples of ale were examined specially
with a view to ascertaining whether arsenic was present, but no traces of it were
found.
In 2 cases in connection with the sampling of butter the vendors obtained
possession of the samples purchased and refused to deliver them to the inspectors
concerned. Proceedings were taken against the vendors for obstructing the inspectors,
and they were fined 40s. with 23s. costs and 20s. with 12s. 6d. costs respectively.

With reference to the convictions under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts during
1910 may be mentioned that in one of the cases of milk adulteration the offender
had been once previously fined; in 4 of the butter cases the offenders had been each