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84
ANALYSIS OF FOOD AND DRUGS,
WATER, Etc.
During the year 1897, 546 samples have been purchased
by the Inspectors, and submitted to the Public Analyst
for analysis. Taking the last ten years (1887-96), the
annual average as to number of samples taken is 386, of
which 64 (i.e., 16.7 0/°) were found, on analysis, to be
adulterated. The average annual number of summonses
issued is 47, with an average of 45 convictions and 18
cautions, and an average of £88 5s. 6d. in penalties, and
£29 3s. 10d. in costs during the same decennium.
Of the 546 samples purchased during 1897, 41 (i.e., 7.5%)
were reported by the Analyst to be adulterated; 27
summonses were issued, with the result that 21 convictions
were obtained, together with £48 in penalties, and
£29 3s. lOd. in costs.* Full details are given as to the
various foods and drugs purchased and analysed, with the
percentages of adulterations in each case, not only during
the year 1897, but also for each of the previous ten years
(1887-96).
The Vestry has lost a valuable officer by the death of
Inspector Wiggs, who was appointed as Food and Drugs
and Smoke Inspector on August 11th, 1892. The deceased
Inspector had been, during his term of office, most successful
in executing the whole of the work connected with the
carrying out of the Food and Drugs and Margarine Acts,
as will be seen by reference to the Table on page 88, which
shews that the amount of penalties and costs reached the
total sum of £821 lis. 6d. for the four complete years
during which Inspector Wiggs served the Vestry, as compared
with £203 10s. 0d. for the previous four years.
* One summons was dismissed, and five adjourned, owing to the illness
of Inspector Wiggs, who died before the cases were re-heard.