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24
Twelve samples of coloured sweets were submitted to me,
purchased under my direction. For certain reasons I limited my
analysis to those coloured red and yellow. In no case did I find
that injurious colouring matters had been employed, the materials
used for the purpose being entirely of vegetable origin.
In accordance with the suggestions of the Sanitary Committee,
I have examined with great care and detail certain articles sold by
the publicans, viz., porter, ale, and gin. Fifty-four samples of beer
were submitted to analysis. In each case I estimated the common
salt present, and also carefully searched for Cocculus Indicus, and
other injurious drugs. As regards the common salt (the quantity of
which was deduced from the chlorine, and which may therefore have
been present in forms other than chloride of sodium) I would notice
that 10 samples contained over 60 grains per gallon, 8 between 50
and 60 grains, 15 between 40 and 50 grains, and the rest under 40
grains. I confess to thinking that over 60 grains of common salt
(or its equivalent) per gallon of beer is excessive; nevertheless I was
of opinion (and recent events have proved that I was right) that it
would be unadvisable to take proceedings in the matter.
Further than this, I have only to add that although I made a
most rigid search for Cocculus, I was in no case able to detect a
trace of the poisonous drug.
Of the 18 samples of gin, 3 were about 400 under proof. This I
consider too much for bottled gin, and although in the state of the
law at the time the analyses were made, I deemed it unwise to
take any action (a course in the advisability of which I consulted
with the Sanitary Committee), I shall in future undoubtedly in such
cases advise a prosecution.
In some few cases I detected traces of fusel oil in the gin, but
I am of opinion that water constitutes the chief, if not the only,
adulterant of the publican worth noticing.
THE MORTUARY, 1876-77.
From the 1st July, 1876 to the 30th June, 1877, 453 bodies have
been received at the mortuary: 210 inquests have been held in the
coroner's room during the same period, the sum of £35 7s 6d.
having been paid to the Vestry for the accommodation thus afforded
to the coroner. Since, however, the number of inquests has been