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54
Of the samples sold as butter which were not genuine one was a sample of
margarine, one contained foreign fats in a large amount and was probably a
mixture of butter and margarine, and five contained water in excess of the
16 per cent. standard. With regard to the first two proceedings were taken ; in
one case the defendant was fined £1 Is. Od., with 23s. costs, and in the other
£2 Os. Od. with 23s. costs. Proceedings were also taken in respect to two of the
samples found to contain excess of water ; in one instance the summons was
dismissed, a warranty being proved, and in the second the defendant was fined
7s. with 23s costs.
The penalties inflicted amounted to £6 17s. Od., or approximately 3.7 per cent.
of the maximum penalties to which the defendants were liable, as compared with
8.5 in 1913, 8.5 in 1912, 23 in 1911, 7.9 in 1910, 9 4 in 1909,16.3 in 1908, 15.6 in
1907, 12 in 1906, 17 in 1905, 10 in 1904, 18 in 1903, and 17 in 1902. Including the
costs, which amounted to £3 9s. 0d., the amounts defendants were ordered to pay
averaged £2 5s. 8d., as compared with £5 Is. 8d. in 1913, £4 18s. Id. in 1912,
£8 Is. 10d. in 1911, £4 18s. in 1910, £4 0s. 9d. in 1909, £4 6s. in 1908, £4 6s. 7d.
in 1907, £5 3s. in 1906, £7 Is. in 1905, £3 Is. in 1904, £4 10s. in 1903 and £4 10s.
in 1902.
Three samples of margarine were taken, the samples being sold in wrappers
not bearing the word "Margarine" legibly stamped thereon as required by the
Margarine Act. Proceedings were taken and convictions obtained in 2 of the
cases. The other case was withdrawn.
The fines amounted to 17s. and £1 5s. Od. costs were allowed the Council.
The fines under the Margarine Act amounted to a little over 2.l per cent. of the
maximum penalties to which the defendants were liable. Including costs,
the amounts paid by defendants averaged £1 Is. Od. as compared with £1 6s. lOd.
in 1913, £1 13s. 5d. for 1912, £1 16s. Id. in 1911, 15s. in 1910, £1 12s. 6d. in
1909 and £1 4s. 6d. in 1908.
Both of the samples of brawn were found to contain boric acid, in one to
the extent of 11.2 grains per lb. and in the other 7 grains per lb. In each case
a letter of caution was sent to the vendor.
One of the samples of cream was found to contain the equivalent of
22.4 grains of boric acid per lb. No proceedings were taken, but the vendor was
cautioned.
One of the samples of dripping was found to contain 2'9 per cent, of water;
no action was deemed necessary.
One of the samples of golden syrup was found to contain glucose syrup to the
extent of 35 per cent. Proceedings were taken but the magistrate dismissed
the case as he was not satisfied that golden syrup had been asked for when the
sample was purchased.