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46
Margarine.
The greater number of the proceedings during the year have
been under the Margarine Act, and we regret that selling
Margariue for Butter in the Parish is very prevalent. There are
so many loopholes in the Margarine Act, and the fines are so
infinitesimal generally, that we feel convinced it will never be
put a stop to unless the Legislature makes a provision in the new
Act compelling manufacturers to use a distinctive colour for
Margarine or forbid the use of any colouring matter at all.
In the United States the law compels manufacturers to colour
it pink, and in France it is not allowed to be coloured at all with
the exception of that manufactured for export.
Recently the Magistrate at Clerkenwell held that Margarine
on a slab on the counter (although it was visible to the purchaser
standing in front of the counter) was not. exposed for sale within
the meaning of the Act, giving as his reason that he was bound
by a decision some nine years old (Crane v. Lawrence) where the
Margarine was not visible to the purchaser. The Magistrate
expressed himself very strongly on this point of law, suggesting
that the Vestry had a good case to go to the High Court with,
and he would willingly state a case, as he was of opinion that
the Divisional Court was wrong. Again, it is the custom with
some of the shopkeepers to use a Margarine wrapper for both
Butter and Margarine and enclose the purchase in a bag. This
practically defeats the Act, as persons asking to he served with
Butter do not become aware of the fact that they have been
served with Margarine at a Butter price, and the fraud is not
discovered until they unwrap the purchase some time after iu
their homes.
Milk.
It is the custom with a few of the milkmen in the Parish that
whenever your Inspectors purchase samples of milk for analysis
to declare it is sold as milk and water so as to save themselves
from a prosecution. In one case milk sold under this title
proved to have as much as fifty per cent. of added water
although there is not the least doubt it would be sold as the
pure and unadulterated article to any one else.