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72
SPIRITS.
Samples of Whisky, Gin and Rum were taken in the June quarter ; of these, five
were found to be diluted below the legal limit. Prosecutions were taken in these cases,
and a fine inflicted in each case.
In the December quarter 15 samples of Gin, Rum and Brandy were informally
purchased, and in 14 the limit of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) for the
London Area was not exceeded. In one instance it was, but no proceedings were taken.
DRUGS.
A considerable number and variety of Drugs were purchased. These totalled 76,
of which six were reported against, but it should be noted that four samples found to
be wanting when taken informally, furnished two of the sophisticated samples when
purchased formally. In the two other instances in which default was observed on
informal sampling, the articles were found to be correct when a formal purchase was
made. In all cases the defects were due to changes in the new Pharmacopoeia not
having been observed.
With the exception of the fact that picked Shrimps contained preservatives no
other matters require observation. The Shrimp question was dealt with in the printed
monthly report of your Medical Officer of Health, and I have only to state that
as the shrimps chiefly came from Holland I communicated the circumstances to the
representative of the Netherlands Government, and action is being taken to bring about
improvement.