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22
It must at once be apparent that the certificate of the three
professors of chemistry at Somerset House confirms the results
given by the public analyst, Mr. Davies, the difference being 0.1
only, or in other words, one hundredth of one per cent.
Mr. Davies' certificate goes on to say the sample is adulterated
with "14 per cent. of added water."
The three professors of chemistry at Somerset House say "not
less than 4 per cent. of added water!'
Dr. Redwood says it is "poor milk."
The difference in the per centage of "added water," between
Mr. Davies and the three professors at Somerset House is accounted
for by the fact of the authorities there adopting a low
standard for pure milk and consequently allowing a larger per
centage for the natural water found in all milk.
My contention before the Court was that I had, upon the facts,
clearly proved my case, the certificate from Somerset House,
corroborating the Public Analyst's Certificate. Four experts
declare the milk to be adulterated to one on the other side who
called it "poor milk," and that Dr. Redwood's certificate itself
showed that the sample did not come up to his own standard for
pure milk and that I was entitled to a conviction.
The learned magistrate after consideration stated that he found
he was not bound by the certificate from Somerset House, and
dismissed the summons with six guineas costs.
Upon the hearing of the summons issued against James Bail,
of 96, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush, for having sold Milk
adulterated with water (the Public Analyst's certificate reporting
the milk to be adulterated with 14 percent. of added water). The
Defendant contended that the milk was pure, and required that
a further Analysis should be made, as provided by the Statute.
It was then agreed that the two remaining portions of the samples
should be submitted to the Analysts at Somerset House.
Upon the adjourned hearing, the report from Somerset House
was produced, and it stated that the amount of solids, "not fat,"
was lower than is found in genine milk, and that the sample contained
not less than 5 per cent. of added water.
The Magistrate decided that he must convict, but expressed
his views that he could not place any reliance upon the certificate
of the Local Analyst.
Thereupon the Public Analyst was requested to give a report
upon the case, which he did as follows:—
"I feel it incumbent upon me to offer some remarks upon the
prosecution, for milk adulteration, heard before the Hammersmith
magistrate on Friday last, and his observations on
that case.