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A considerable quantity of beef and mutton was seized by inspector Lindon in
lloxton, as being in an unsound condition and exposed for sale on certain stalls and
in a cart. The same was condemned by a magistrate and ordered to be destroyed.
Proceedings were taken against the persous to whom the meat belonged at the time of
seizure in three instances, and in each case the defendant was fined £5.
SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS.
The reports of the Public Analyst, copies of which are appended (page 61), show
that 203 samples were taken for analysis, 202 by inspector Quelch and one by a private
person. Of these 24 were found to be adulterated or not of the nature, substance, or
quality demanded by the purchasers, the per centage being 11.8. The percentage of
samples found adulterated during the previous nine years averaged 21.6. A table
showing the numbers of samples taken and the percentages of adulteration during the
years 1890-98 is contained in last year's report.
The samples taken included 114 of milk, 52 of butter, 18 of mustard, 12 of coffee,
six of vinegar, and one of cod liver oil.
Of the samples of milk, 15 or slightly over 13 per cent. were adulterated or not of
proper quality, 19 showed small percentages of water beyond the normal, and in two
there were traces of boracic acid or preparations thereof. In 14 instances proceedings
were taken against the vendors, and convictions were obtained in 13 ; in one case the
defence set up was that of a warranty and the summons was withdrawn on payment
of the Vestry's costs.
Of the samples of butter, seven or just over 13 per cent, were found adulterated.
Proceedings were taken in six instances, in each of which a conviction was obtained.
In one instance the defendant was fined £20 with £3 3s. costs, for selling margarine
as butter; in this case several previous convictions for similar offences were proved.
One sample of mustard was found to be adulterated with flour coloured yellow
with turmeric, in which case a small fine was imposed by the magistrate. One sample
sold as coffee was found to consist principally of chicory, but proceedings failed as the
magistrate held that it had been sold as a mixture.
Altogether proceedings were taken in 22 cases, convictions were obtained in 21,
fines were inflicted amounting to £62 15s., and costs allowed amounting to £16 3s. 6d.
In addition to the samples taken under the Food and Drugs Acts, 69 samples—viz.,
milk, nine ; cream, nine; sausages, seven ; fish, six ; butter, six ; potted meat, six;
jams, three ; cheese, five ; sugar, three ; ham, three ; bacon, three ; syrups, three ;
margarine, three; and lard, three—were taken at the request of a committee appointed
by the Government to inquire into the use of preservatives in food. The law relating
to the sale of food and drugs has been amended by the passing of the