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121
CIDER.
The two samples of cider submitted were returned as genuine, but as they were
certified to contain 5 per cent. and 5J per cent. of absolute alcohol by volume,
respectively, and had been purchased at unlicensed premises, the matter was referred
to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.
LEMONADE.
The sample submitted was of the variety known as “ Home-made ” lemonade, and
was dispensed from a large glass vase, into which a metal syphon was inserted, the
said tube being fitted with a tap. Metallic contamination resulted from this mode of
serving the beverage, the Public Analyst reporting 0*00055 per cent. of lead (in combination)
to be present in the sample. The vendor was cautioned, and the practice was
at once discontinued.
Samples taken without Formality foe Test Purposes.
122 samples were taken without the recognised formalities being observed, the
object usually being to avoid publicity, or to obtain a continuity of evidence anterior
to the taking of samples formally with a view to strengthening the position of the
prosecution.
Of the samples so examined 42 were taken at the Railway Stations, at the same
time and from the same churns as the sample required for bacteriological purposes were
obtained, and these, together with 3 samples taken on arrival at Liverpool Street Station
with the view to discredit the genuineness of a warranty defence, were all returned as
genuine.
Of the 30 samples of milk taken informally at shops, 3 (all at the same shop)
were found to be adulterated. An official sample taken at the shop (reported elsewhere)
resulted in a fine of £20 and £2 2s. costs.
Of the 30 butter samples taken without formality, 3 were found to be margarine ;
these were all obtained on succeeding nights at the same shop, the subsequent summary
proceeding taken in regard to the formal sample purchased resulted in the defendant
being required to pay the costs which amounted to 30s. (This case is reported
elsewhere.)
One of the 12 samples of drugs informally purchased was that of mercury
ointment. The sample was found to be deficient in mercury to the extent of 32.1 per
cent., but being labelled “ wild mercury ointment,” no action could be taken.