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The numbers of loose creams taken during the year was 21, while the tinned
creams numbered 11 for the same period. Eleven samples spread over a year are
not sufficient upon which to base a very dogmatic opinion on the quality of the
tinned variety but the general tendency seems to be a continued falling off in fat
content as compared with that of the year 1929.
I have stressed the disparity in quality between these two classes continuously,
chiefly for the reason that medical men frequently recommend cream for the weak,
sickly, or convalescent, and as the public are not aware of the great difference in
quality between the tinned and the loose, the tinned is often selected because it
can be obtained at most shops while the loose can only be obtained at a dairy, and
a family may be making a financial sacrifice for an invalid under the impression
that the tinned is equal in quality to the loose. If every tin bore a label stating the
percentage amount of fat present, purchasers would then know exactly what quality
was being supplied.
jams.—Owing to the agreement reached in October, 1930, between a joint
committee of Public Analysts and the representatives of the Jam Section of the
Food Manufacturers the interests of the public have received a long overdue but
very definite measure of protection.
The Manufacturers have agreed to fix two standards for all jams made by
members of the Federation. These are to be First Quality Jams and Second
Quality Jams; also they agree to have every sample properly labelled with its
standard, at the same time guaranteeing quality and purity. In addition they have
undertaken not to manufacture any jam of quality below the Second Standard.
For the moment, however, it is the public itself who can make most effective
use of the means available for their protection by seeing that whenever jam is
bought it should bear the label of guarantee of purity and standard which the Food
Manufacturers' Federation now issue.—(Signed) J. F. F. Rowland.
STATISTICAL.
BIRTHS.
Registration.—The number of births registered during 1931 was 1,067,* being
180 more than in 1930. Of the children born, 551 were boys and 516 girls. The
birth rate per 1,000 of the population was 11.4, as against 12.1 in 1930.
*This figure is exclusive of births occurring in the Borough to persons usually non-resident
therein, but includes 264 births which occurred outside the district, and which have been transferred
as belonging to St. Marylebone:—
Legitimate Males 128
„ Females 100
Illegitimate Males 22
„ Females 14