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207
but decided improvement is also supported by the fact that while
last year the average amount of dilution practised on milk reached
12 per cent., it is this year reduced to 10.
II.—Groceries.
The only articles purchased at grocers or oil shops found to be
questionable were 2 samples of vinegar, which were not up to the
usually accepted quality of the article, but, looking to the fact that
the whole question of what constitutes a legal tender under the
name " Vinegar " was then sub judice (it is not even yet properly
settled), I advised that no prosecution should be undertaken on
that occasion. This is the first time for very many years that no
adulterated coffee or pepper has been obtained in the district.
III.—Beverages.
The only articles of this class which were submitted, consisted of
4 samples of spirits, and of these I checked 2 gins which had been
diluted with water to the extent of 1 degree below the standard.
As, however, such a small departure might easily be accidental, no
prosecution was advised under the circumstances.
IV.—Drugs.
No samples were submitted in this department, and I would
suggest that, although we have generally in former years found
them satisfactory, it is yet desirable not to quite lose sight of them.
This more especially applies to cheap popular drugs largely consumed
by the poorer classes, because, even if no cases be obtained,
I am still of the opinion I have so frequently expressed in my
reports to you for the last 20 years, that more real good is done by
having the Inspector always about looking after and taking samples
of everything, than by paying special attention to articles likely to
yield cases in the Police Court.
In conclusion, I have to report that nothing novel has occurred
during the year, either in shape of new adulterants or in
procedure, except on one occasion in which the Board (doubtless
noticing the number of cases of small adulteration of milk which