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In four of the samples water was certified to have been added ; in all of these
it was less than 5 per cent. In 15, the samples showed deficiencies in milk fat;
in two of these it was deficient to the extent of 5 per cent., and in nine it was less
and in the other four it was more than 5 per cent., taking the standard of the
Board of Agriculture.
Legal proceedings were instituted in 8 or 42.1 per cent, of the cases in which
samples of milk were below standard. In two instances, the summonses were dismissed,
warranties being proved. In four instances, the defendants were fined, and
in three of these costs were also allowed the Council. In two instances costs only
were allowed the Council.
No legal proceedings were considered advisable as regards the remainder of the
samples of milk below standard. Of the adulterated samples of milk it was not
thought advisable to institute legal proceedings in 57.9 per cent.
In the four cases in which convictions were obtained the aggregate of fines and
costs amounted to £7 2s. 0d., and the average amount paid by the defendants was
£1 15s. 6d. The fines amounted to 3.5 per cent, of the maximum which might have
been inflicted.
55 samples of butter were taken, 54 of which were returned as genuine, 41 were
reported as containing boric acid not exceeding 0.5 per cent, in each. In one instance
water was present in excess of the amount allowed by law. The vendor was
summoned, 12s. 6d. costs being allowed by the Court.
40 samples of margarine were taken, all of which were returned as genuine.
Boric acid was pros nt in 34, but not exceeding 0.5 per cent, in any case.
Of the 62 samples of vinegar taken, two contained 2 per cent, excessive water,
No proceedings were taken,