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The complaint came on for hearing on the 22nd and 24th
January, 1901, strong expert evidence being produced on both
sides. The Court were satisfied that the complaint at the time
it was presented was fully justifiable, but that in view of the
extensive work which the two Water Companies had since
carried out, and had in contemplation, there was no alternative
but to dismiss the cases, but without costs. There is every
reason to be satisfied with the result of the action, which has
doubtless had the effect of compelling the Water Companies to
carry out those necessary works.
Samples have been taken monthly during the year, from
the supplies of both the Water Companies, and in no case has the
Analyst found it necessary to recommend that objection should
be taken to quality of the supplies of either Company, at the
point where the samples were obtained.
Food Supply.
The sources of food supply have received careful and
constant supervision during the year, and particularly on
Saturdays. In four instances it was found necessary to seize
articles exposed for sale, in a state unfit for human food,
and these were subsequently conveyed before the Magistrate at
the Police Court for condemnation and subsequent destruction.
The articles seized consisted of apples, damsons, ham and pork,
and in each of the cases proceedings were taken for the recovery
of penalties.
It is the practice that when retail vendors become aware
that articles of food purchased are unfit for human food, they
attend with the same at the Public Health Department,
when, if the condition of the articles justifies it, and there
appears to have been no attempt to sell the same, a certificate
is granted, which enables the retailer to claim the return of the
money paid to the wholesale dealer. Fifteen such certificates
were granted during the year, relating to the following articles :—