View report page

97
St. Pancras, and 33.2 in Hackney, so that, compared with those
figures, we have a lower proportion of milk samples adulterated
than in any of the other Metropolitan Boroughs. Five of the 25
samples of coffee were certified to be adulterated, the adulterant
in this case being always found to be chicory, which has been
present in as large a proportion as 70 per cent. Of the 18
samples purchased as Demerara sugar, 10 have been certified to
consist of dyed sugar, other than Demerara. Of the 4 samples of
sweet oil purchased, one was certified to consist of mineral oil
entirely.
The total amount of fines imposed in respect to the adulterated
samples purchased during the year, in the cases where
Magisterial proceedings were taken, amounted to £50 15s., and
costs £24 8s.
One case, viz., Wilson v. Playle, of particular interest, was
decided during the year in reference to one of the milk samples
certified to be adulterated. The defendant proving, in proceedings
taken under Section 6 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act,
1875, that he had bought the milk under an agreement, by which
the vendor agreed to sell pure milk, " but without accepting
any responsibility after delivery." The Magistrate dismissed the
Summons, holding that this was a sufficient warranty to satisfy
Section 20 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875. On appeal
before the Lord Chief Justice, and Justices Wills and Channell,
they upheld this view ; the appeal being dismissed.