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59
Of the samples sold as butter which were not genuine, 5 were samples of margarine,
2 contained foreign fats in large amounts and were probably mixtures of butter and
margarine, 2 contained water in excess of the 16 per cent, standard, and one sample
was reported by the analyst as being possibly genuine though somewhat abnormal.
Prosecutions were instituted in 8 instances and in all of them the defendants were
convicted. In one case the sample was taken inadvertently just beyond the limits
of the Borough and no proceedings could therefore be taken. No proceedings were
deemed advisable in the case of the abnormal sample above mentioned.
The penalties inflicted amounted to £55 2s. or approximately 23 per cent. of
the maximum penalties to which the defendants were liable, as compared with
7.9 in 1910, 9.4 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 £9 12s. 6d., the
amounts the defendants were ordered to pay averaged £8 1s. 10d., as compared
with £4 18s. in 1910, £4 0s. 9d. in 1909, £4 6s. in 1908, £4 6s. 7d. in 1907, £5 3s. in
1906, £7 Is. in 1905, £3 1s. in 1904, £4 10s. in 1903, and £4 10s. in 1902. The average
was therefore the highest recorded since 1901.
Five samples of margarine were taken, the samples being sold in wrappers which
did not bear the word "Margarine" legibly stamped upon them as required by the
Margarine Act. Proceedings were taken and convictions obtained in all the cases.
The fines amounted to £6, and £3 0s. 6d. costs were allowed the Council. The fines
under the Margarine Act amounted to 3 per cent. of the maximum penalties to
which the defendants were liable. Including the costs, the amounts paid averaged
£1 16s. 1d. as compared with 15s. in 1910, £1 12s. 6d. in 1909, and £1 4s. 6d. in 1908.
Of eleven samples purchased as coffee, 4 were found to be mixtures of coffee and
chicory. In all 4 instances proceedings were taken and convictions obtained, the
fines in the aggregate amounting to £3 10s. and the costs to £4 1s.
One of the samples of sausages contained 0.56 per cent. or 39.2 grains per pound
of boric acid as an added preservative. This amount being excessive, proceedings
were taken and the defendant was fined £1, with £1 3s. costs allowed the Council.
One of the samples of separated milk contained 2 per cent. of added water and a
trace of artificial colouring matter.
The samples of ice cream were all reported by the analyst as genuine, none of
the constituents being of a harmful character.
The samples of glycerine and camphorated oil were found to be of the standard
of the British Pharmacopoea, and the samples of lard, pepper, malt vinegar, cocoa,
chocolate powder, brawn, dripping, and cheese were all reported as genuine.