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73
[1919
Milk Prosecutions.
The summary of prosecutions showed that during the year 47 prosecutions
were taken, of which number 24 were successful and 22 were dismissed, while
one was withdrawn. The large number of cases dismissed was due to the fact
that in 19 cases warranties were pleaded in defence. The warranty defence,
especially in the case of milk, is a public scandal, for as is seen in the tables
showing the composition of the several milks, the farmers send to the borough
milk containing, on an average, 3.83 per cent. of fat. It is hoped that we
have nearly come to the end of the days when such a defence can be pleaded,
for undoubtedly the offence was for the most part due to adulteration by
dishonest distributors or by the abstraction of fat in the course of transit.
But here again it must be said that such abstraction could not occur if the
milk purveyors insisted that this important food, especially for invalids and
children, should be forwarded in locked or fastened churns. There has always
been unwillingness both on the part of the London purveyors and the farmers
to send their milk or to receive it in protected churns, and it is astonishing to
find that a plea has been put forward by purveyors that the railway companies
would not allow the conveyance of milk and churns thus protected, although
as a matter of fact it has been allowed by them for nearly twenty years.

* 2 summonses were dismissed on technical objections, while the other was an alternative
summons.
† Warranties established.
Withdrawn upon payment of costs.