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70
1919]
whereas last year it was 3.68 per cent., which is practically the same amount
as that of the milks of the preceding four years.
During the last few years, probably owing to the increased price of milk,
the roundsmen unfortunately got into the habit of giving short measure, with
the result that there were several prosecutions for this offence undertaken by
the Food Control Committee, and it is satisfactory to note that a number of
convictions were obtained, although the penalties were not nearly so heavy as
they should have been. The number of these offences is not known to the
Medical Officer of Health, as they did not come within his official cognisance,
it being no part of the duty of the Public Health Department to prosecute for
their commission. It is to be hoped, however, that in the new Milk Regulations
some especial power will be given to sanitary authorities to take proceedings
against persons who practise this fraud, but this may not occur for
it is rumoured that the Ministry of Health hold the opinion that the public
can protect themselves against this fraud by measuring their milk.