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"under the Acts, should the analytical results prove them to be of
"inferior quality or actually adulterated."
It is obvious that the whole question turns upon what is a sufficient disclosure
within the meaning of the Act. "Whether it is advisable, as suggested
by your Analyst, to take a case to the High Court to decide the matter, and also
to make the renewal of all licences for the sale of spirits conditional on no
dilution notice being exhibited, are matters for your legal advisers to
determine.
MILK AND BUTTER ADULTERATION.
1901. 1902. 1903.
Number of Milk samples examined 392 599 517
Found genuine 209 519 457
Found adulterated 83 80 60
Percentage of adulteration 21.0 13.3 11.6
Number of Butter samples examined 238 299 368
Found genuine 224 292 367
Found adulterated 14 7 1
Percentage of adulteration 5'8 2.34 .27
The figures in the above Table illustrate better than any words the
remarkable decrease in the sophistication of milk and butter that has taken
place in the City since 1901. Butter adulteration has practically ceased to
exist, and it is hoped that the same desirable end will shortly be attained in
the case of milk.
Your Public Analyst has also some comments in the Report referred to on
the subject of milk warranty. He remarks that:—
"Many vendors, especially of milk, escape the provisions of the Acts
"by pleading a warranty. In all such cases it is very desirable that the
"warranty should be carefully scrutinised to see if it is such a warranty
"as the Acts require; and in the event of its being so held by the Court,
"the giver of the warranty should be proceeded against for giving a false
"warranty. If insurmountable difficulties under the present law should
"be found to exist, there will be a good case for further legislation, but
"these difficulties, if they exist, can only be discovered by bringing
" prosecutions and endeavouring to carry them through.
"The two questions, 'Notices' and 'Warranties,' are those that give
"most trouble in the administration of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts,
"and which frequently enable vendors to escape their provisions.
"It is highly desirable that both questions should be settled, even
"should it prove that fresh legislation is necessary in order to secure
"proper protection to the purchasing public."