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Fertilisers
and feeding
■tuffs
73
Two samples supplied as mistura alba (duplex) were found to be of only half
the required strength, and two samples of sennæ fructus were rejected as being of
inferior size and quality. A sample of tablets alleged to be tabs, calcii acetylsalicylatis
was found to consist of sodium acid phosphate. In accordance with an arrangement
whereby, in any case of post-operative convulsions, a sample of the ether used is
sent for examination, three samples were analysed during the year. In each case
the ether was of satisfactory quality and there was no apparent reason why its use
should have caused any abnormal reaction.

Three samples which were described as feeding oatmeal were found to contain
fibre to the extent of 21 per cent, or more. Such an article should be classed as an
oat offal or oat bran, and not as oatmeal. Four samples, described as feeding meat
and bone meal, were found to contain less than 40 per cent, albuminoids (protein),
which is the minimum figure to qualify a preparation of this nature for being sold
under this designation. Two samples of meat meal contained salt largely in excess
of the 4 per cent, limit imposed by the Act on commodities of this description. The
application of the term " bone-meal" to samples containing large amounts of acid
insoluble matter was objected to in several cases during the previous year as pointed
out in the report for 1936. Similar instances have occurred during the present
year, and the samples in question have been reported as not complying with the
definition given.
A regular chemical and bacteriological examination has been made of the drinking
water at those institutions of the Council which derive their supplies from private
wells, and water from other sources has been tested when required. During the year
206 samples have been analysed chemically, and 440 samples have been examined
bacteriologically in the bacteriological laboratory at County Hall. In addition, 312
chlorine tests have been made to check the dosage being applied at those institutions
at which it has been deemed advisable to chlorinate the supply. Two additional
wells have been found during the year to yield water which at times was not of quite
such a high standard of purity as could be desired, and chloramine treatment plants
have been installed in both instances.
At the end of 1937 there were in use for drinking purposes in the Council's
institutions only two private wells where the water was not chlorinated. Where
chlorinating plants are in use, periodical tests have, at the request of the chief engineer,
been made on the premises to ensure that an adequate dose of chlorine was being
applied, these tests being additional to the daily ones made as a routine by the
resident engineer of the institution. In several instances a recommendation was
Drinking
water
supply