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15. That the time allowed for appeal to quarter sessions from
decisions of local justices should be extended from three to
fourteen days.
16. That any person guilty of a second offence under the Sale
of Food and Drugs Acts should be liable to a minimum penalty
of £5, and that in respect of the third or subsequent offences
under those Acts and the Margarine Act, 1887, the punishment
of imprisonment without the option of a fine may be inflicted at
the discretion of the magistrates or court.
17. That magistrates should be authorised to make orders, at
their discretion, requiring a person convicted of offences under
the Acts to publish a notification of his conviction in the public
press of the locality where the offence occurred.
18. That the definition of the word "food " as used in the
Acts should be amended so as to include expressly all articles
intended to enter into or be used in the preparation or flavouring
of food.
19. That an authority should be constituted who should act
as a Court of Reference upon scientific and other questions
arising under the Acts, and who should be empowered, at their
discretion, to prescribe standards and limits of the quality and
purity of food.
20. That candidates for appointment as public analysts should
be required to produce evidence that they possess the requisite
knowledge of analytical chemistry, in the shape of a diploma
or certificate given in respect of such knowledge by a recognised
school of chemistry or scientific examining body, and that in the
case of candidates other than duly registered medical practitioners,
specific tests of the requisite knowledge of microscopy
and the bearing of adulterations upon health should be prescribed.
21. That the remuneration proposed to be given to a public
analyst should be subject to the approval of the central authority.
22. That the artificial colouring of margarine to resemble or to
imitate butter be prohibited.
23. That the mixing for sale of margarine for butter be
prohibited.
Noxious Fumes and Black Smokk.
During the year the Public Health Committee have considered
letters from Mr. H. A. Eeatchlous, M.A., on behalf of
the Wesleyan Training College, dated respectively 1st and
2nd June, complaining of the emission of noxious fumes from
the furnace shaft at the depot, and, in connection therewith, a
report from the medical officer of health, by whom tests were
made at his inspection in consequence of the receipt of the
complaint. The conviction was expressed in his report that
there was nothing in the nature of the smell of the smoke from
the shaft any more injurious than the smell of the smoke from
an ordinary chimney, and the suggestion was made that, with
the object of preventing complaint, the height of the chimney
might be increased.
D 2