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Merchandise Marks Acts, and a fine of £1 and £5 5s. costs inflicted. The Borough
Council then requested to be allowed to withdraw the summons under the Sale of
Food and Drugs Act, but were only permitted to do so on payment of £3 3s. costs
to the defendants.
Sample No. 680, Arrowroot. — This sample was certified by the Public Analyst
to consist wholly of tapioca starch, an article much cheaper than that demanded.
Proceedings were taken and the vendor convicted and fined. (See Table "D.")
Informal Samples.— Fifty-two informal samples were submitted to the Public
Analyst. These consisted of Milk 23, Butter 22, Whisky 2, Borax 1, Lard 1,
Coffee 1, Cocoa 1 and Vinegar 1. With the exception of three milks, obtained
from one vendor (official sample No. 768, Table "C"), all the articles were reported
as genuine. Many samples were purchased informally solely with a view to the
agent being recognised as a regular customer. The samples submitted for analysis,
particularly in the case of butter, depended largely upon the place from which the
article was served (from butter block or out of sight of the purchaser). Judging
from the results of informal buying in pre-war and post-war days, it would appear
that there is a considerable improvement in the class of article now sold. This
may be due to (1) the work for years past carried out under the Sale of Food and
Drugs Acts, (2) the high prices, and (3) the better education and taste of the public.
Margarine.— One hundred and twenty-one informal samples of margarine
were obtained, of which 27 failed to comply with the Regulations as to stamping
the wrappers. These were dealt with officially. (See Table "D.")
Sale of Food Order. — In connection with that part of the Order dealing with
the labelling of imported butchers' meat, it was necessary to caution 33 tradesmen
where it was found that "Imported" labels were not exhibited. With
regard to the marking of imported eggs 33 cautions were given where eggs other
than English were exposed for sale bearing the words "new laid" or "fresh"
without the word "imported" being a part of the description, or the country of
origin stated. From observations since made from time to time, the cautions given
have apparently had the desired effect.
TABLE "E."
Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1912-1917.— Ten formal
samples of cream were purchased and submitted to the Public Analyst during
the year ended December 31st, 1922, and the details are set out below in
the form prescribed by the Ministry of Health Memorandum.
All samples of milk taken under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts are analysed
for preservatives.