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272
1909]
that in several instances it was necessary for the agent to become a regular
customer at the shop before it was possible to secure an official sample with
any certainty to send to the Public Analyst. As the Inspector points out in
his report, the samples thus purchased found to be adulterated were included
in the total, together with several milk samples which, while being very slightly
below the standard, were not low enough for prosecution.
With respect to these official samples, it may be stated that the prosecut
ons arising directly from them numbered 39, and that the amount of fines
and costs recovered was £100 15s. 6d.
Informal sampling in the borough has only been undertaken during the
last two years, with results that have been most satisfactory. The samples
examined in this way in 1909, were Butter, 155; Demerara Sugar, 111; Coffee,
107; and Milk, 98. Of the Butter, 24 were found to be adulterated; of the
Demerara Sugar, 35; of the Coffee. 17; and of the Milk, 12.
With respect to Demerara Sugar, it may be pointed out that in 58
instances the purchaser was informed just before the sale was effected that the
article was yellow crystals or that it was not Demerara Sugar, and in the case
of the Coffees, declarations were made in 38 instances either verbally or by
notice on the package.