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91
ANALYSIS OF FOOD AND DRUGS,
WATER, Etc.
During the year 1900, 603 samples have been purchased and
submitted to the Public Analyst for analysis. Taking the
average of the last ten years (1890-99), the annual number of
samples taken is 471, of which 71 {i.e., 15.1 per cent.) were found
on analysis to be adulterated. The annual number of summonses
issued is 50, with 50 convictions (together with 16 cautions), and
£97 14s. 6d. in penalties, and £32 14s. 2d. in costs, during the
same decennium.
Of the 603 samples taken during 1900, 73 (i.e., 12.1 per cent.)
were reported by the Analyst to be adulterated; 57 summonses
were issued, with the result that 52 convictions* were obtained,
together with £104 10s. od. in penalties, and £42 6s. 6d.
in costs; and in 10 cases the vendors were cautioned. Full details
are to be found on pp. 92-94.
Inspector W. J. Perrin has charge of this department, and the
results of the year's work are satisfactory. The samples are purchased
by deputy, as a rule.
The results of the monthly examinations of the Water supplied
to the Parish of Lambeth by the Southwark and Vauxhall and the
I.ambeth Companies were satisfactory during 1900. Systematic
examinations are also made and reported upon monthly independently,
both by the London County Council and the Local
Government Board, and it would appear, therefore, to be a
somewhat useless expenditure for systematic examinations of water
to be made also by the Lambeth Analyst. The money would be
better expended if more samples of foods and drugs were taken
by the Inspector and submitted to analysis, so as to bring the
annual number of samples taken in a large parish like Lambeth
up to 1,000.
* 2 Summonses were withdrawn, 2 dismissed, and 1 adjourned sine die,
for the following reasons:—Vendor not traceable, burst bottle, clerical error
in Analyst's certificate, small amount of added water, defendant gone to
South Africa.