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The percentage of samples found adulterated, it will be noticed, was the highest
since 1901. With reference to the convictions under the Sale of Food and Drugs
Acts during 1911, in four instances the defendants had been once previously convicted
and in two instances they had each been previously convicted four times. There
were two instances in which rather heavy penalties were inflicted. In one case £15,
with £1 15s. 6d. costs, and in the other £20, with 2 guineas costs. In each of these
cases the offence was selling margarine as butter, and both the defendants had been
previously convicted on several occasions.
SANITARY STAFF.
I have again to express my satisfaction as to the manner in which the officers
of the Health Department have discharged their duties during the year and also my
appreciation of their assistance in connection with my work. During the past year
the work of the department has been markedly increased largely owing to the Orders
made by the Local Government Board as to pulmonary tuberculosis. Some provision
is necessary with a view to coping with this increase, and the matter is now engaging
the attention of the Health Committee. As already mentioned, Mr. C. J. Wright
was appointed Sanitary Inspector by the Borough Council and took over the district
of the late Mr. W. Lear in February of the year under consideration.
With reference to the clerical work, some 16,520 communications, written and
printed, were sent out from the Health Department during the year as compared
with 13,639 in 1910. These included 3,841 notices and summonses, 2,533 letters and
cards mainly on matters under the Public Health and Sale of Food and Drugs Acts,