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58
care in compounding on the part of some chemists. During 1925, other
drugs compounded under prescriptions, the chief ingredients of which
were mercury and arsenic, were submitted for analysis, and all were found
to have been accurately dispensed.
In 1924, the question of dilution of spirituous liquors was taken
into consideration, and this action provided perhaps one of the most
striking results of our analytical work during the past five years.
Samples were taken at all fully-licensed public-houses in the Borough
in order to ascertain what standard of spirits was being sold to the
public. The analysis revealed that of the 46 samples (purchased at 46
premises) no less than 17 were found to be below the legal standard of
35 under proof, or 30.8 per cent. of alcohol.
The facts were reported to the Council, and on the recommendation
of the Public Health Committee it was resolved that 16 vendors be
prosecuted. Summonses were, therefore, applied for in respect of: —
Sample No.
8—Whiskey, found to be 44 under proof, 4J per cent, of added water.
9—Rum „ 45 „ 4 9/10 „ „
14—Rum „ 38 „ l65/100 „ „
19—Gin „ 44 „ 4½ „ „
20—Whiskey „ 46½ „ 5⅔ „ „
27—Rum „ 41½ „ 3¼ „ „
28—Whiskey „ 38.8 „ 19/10 „ „
31—Do. „ 39 ½ „ 2⅓ „ „
45—Do. „ 44.7 „ 4¾ „ „
46—Rum „ 40.3 „ 2½ „ „
53—Whiskey „ 40 „ 2½ „ „
54—Rum „ 40 „ 2½ „ „
60—Whiskey „ 41 „ 3 „ „
62—Rum „ 41 „ 3 „ „
66—Whiskey „ 38½ „ 1¾ „ „
67—Do. ,, 38½ „ l¾ „ „
In the case of Sample No. 53, whiskey 40 under proof, 2½, per
cent. of added water, the vendor was not prosecuted, in view of the
fact that there was a notice on the receptacle stating that the whiskey
was not below 43 under proof.
At the hearing of the first case, the defence relied on a notice fixed
in the bar, which was in the following terms :—
"All spirits sold at this establishment are of the same superior
quality as heretofore, but to meet the requirements of the Food