View report page

85
stop to this sophistication. For the defence two analysts gave evidence to
the effect that they based their calculations on a minimum depression of
0.520°C. as against, at that time, the usually accepted figure of 0.530°C.
The use of such a figure would suggest that the samples were just genuine.
The magistrate decided that there was a doubt about the minimum figure
and dismissed the cases without costs. Three other cases were withdrawn.
The wisdom of taking proceedings in these cases, although dismissed, has
since been amply proved. The wholesalers concerned immediately caused
samples to be taken from the farmers from whom they received their supplies
and it was found that farmers from certain districts were adding large percentages
of water. These adulterated supplies when mixed with the large
bulk of genuine milk from other farms (the composition of this milk being
above the legal minimum) had the effect of producing a mixed milk showing
the small amounts of added water found in so many samples taken in this
Borough. Since then the supplies have been satisfactory.
As a proof of this I would point out that counting watered samples only
there were during the first three months of the year, i.e., up to the time the
cases were taken, 39 adulterated samples. Since then, for the remaining
nine months of the year, there have been nine watered samples only and
these were all grossly adulterated samples not connected with the wholesale
supply.
Samples C550, C551 and C552 were obtained from the same vendor, who
was fined in each case and removed from the register.
Samples B507, B508, B509 were obtained from the same vendor. He
was fined in each case and removed from the register. See also " Other
offences."
The average composition of the samples of milk, genuine and adulterated,
received during the year is shown below. Six cowshed samples are not
included.