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70
Analytical Laboratory,
Town Hall, Paddington, W.
21st April, 1925.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Hampstead.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
During the quarter ended March 31st, 1925, your inspector submitted to me for analysis 125 samples of food.
These comprise milk, 54 samples; butter, 15; cream, 14; margarine, 9; bacon, 5; vinegar, 6; lard, 5; condensed milk, 4; cocoa, 4;
flour, 3; cheese, 2; fish-paste, 2; sausages, 1; and rum with coffee, 1.
Three samples of milk were found to contain added water to the
extent of 4½, 6 and 16½ per cent. respectively.
Two samples of cream, though not marked as "preserved," contained the one 16½ grains of boric acid per pound; the other 22 grains.
A sample of sausages contained 10 grains of boric acid per
pound.
A sample of fish-paste contained 8½ grains of boric acid, per pound.
The sample of vinegar contained 6 per cent of added water.
The sample of rum-with-coffee contained 1 4/10 per cent, of proof
spirit. It was probably a by-product in the manufacture of coffee
extract.
The adulterated samples have been procured so recently that no
proceedings for adulteration have yet been concluded.
Besides these I have analysed a sample of water, which proved
to be swarming with minute fungus-spores, and was not a desirable
drinking water.
In vacating the post of Public Analyst, which I have now held for
33 years, I may be allowed to reiterate my conclusion as to the comparative freedom of Hampstead from adulteration. Having at various
times had to do with other Boroughs, to which I have of course applied
the same standards, I cannot now doubt as to the greater purity of food
bought at Hampstead. I do not recall an instance in which my analysis
has been upset; though unfortunately legal difficulties have sometimes
made our work abortive. I would take this opportunity of tendering
my sincere thanks to the Public Health Committee for their uniform
kindness and consideration extended over so long a period. To the