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not so marked, however, as in the case of butter, for of 94 samples taken in 1902,
24.2 per cent, were adulterated, whilst of 254 samples taken in 1903,9.8 per cent, were
not genuine.
A comparison of the results of the work under the Food and Drugs Acts for the
years 1902 and 1903 shows that the increased activity during the latter year has been
associated with a considerable reduction in the number of samples found adulterated,
and presumably the amount of adulteration in the Borough has been diminished.
This is very noticeable in respect to butter, but less so as regards milk. It is to be
regretted that the average amount of the penalty inflicted for adulteration of milk was
so much less in 1903 than it was in 1902, for the results of the analyses during 1903
afford good grounds for believing that a large amount of tampering with the milk still
goes on in the Borough. The large percentage of the samples found not to be genuine
is, as has been pointed out elsewhere by the Town Clerk, sufficient testimony as to the
skilful discretion, ability and success with which the inspectors concerned take the
samples, and it may be added the small percentage of summonses dismissed indicates
the care and skill which is exercised by the Council's legal advisers in conducting the
oase before the magistrates.
An improvement is manifest with respect to the amount of adulteration carried
on in the Borough, and it is satisfactory to note it; but it is advisable that the
activity under the Food and Drugs Acts, which characterised the past year should be
continued.
SANITARY STAFF.
Owing to the decrease in the notifiable infectious disease the sanitary work
arising therefrom was less than in previous years, but this was counter-balanced by
the additional work in connection with measles, which has already been referred to,
and the increased duties under the Factory and "Workshop and Sale of Food and
Drugs Acts, so that the time of the sanitary staff has been fully occupied during the
year. With regard to the work under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, it may be
mentioned that the subject of food adulteration in the Borough was brought under the
notice of the Health Committee in May last by the Mayor (Mr. Councillor Bird) who
was at the time Chairman of the Committee, and it was decided that greater activity
was necessary in taking samples. The inspectors concerned were accordingly instructed
to take not less than eight samples each every fortnight. It is hardly
necessary to point out that a very appreciable portion of the time of the five inspectors
engaged upon the work was taken up in this way.
In a letter, dated February 20th, 1903, the London County Council drew attention
to the fact that their legal adviser was of opinion that the original construction of
drainage works was not a duty specified in the General Order of the Local Government
Board of December 8th, 1891, and it was therefore not legal for the London
County Council to refund half of the salaries of the sanitary inspectors engaged upon
such work. The Town Clerk, after considering the point, was of opinion that such
works were not outside the duties of sanitary inspectors as prescribed by the Order