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118
FINES.—Nineteen prosecutions were ordered for adulteration.
Fines were imposed in fifteen cases, amounting to
£50 15s., and £11 7s. costs. These fines are paid into the
Borough Fund.
In one case (Sample 608, Tincture of Bark deficient in
Akaloids), a technical objection raised by the defendant was
allowed by the Magistrate and the case dismissed.
In the case of Samples Nos. 649 and 709, Milk, the
summonses were withdrawn owing to the bottles bursting in
consequence of fermentation, and also in the case of No. 604,
Mustard, containing 20 per cent, of added flour, the legal advisers
of the Council considering the evidence insufficient for successful
action.
It will be seen therefore that of the nineteen prosecutions
ordered, only sixteen were heard, convictions being obtained in
fifteen.
PURCHASE OF SAMPLES.—An attempt was made as far
as possible to purchase samples in a manner similar to that
adopted by members of the public, the object of the Food and
Drugs Acts being often defeated by the recognition of the
Inspectors by the vendors. To obviate this difficulty 52"7 per
cent, of the samples taken were purchased by an agent.
PRELIMINARY TEST SAMPLES.—During the third and
fourth quarters of the year, twenty-five preliminary samples
were purchased by an agent informally. On examination, nine
were found to be adulterated. In five of these cases the vendors
had protected themselves by label, and in the remaining four
cases a formal purchase was made and a conviction obtained in
each case. This method of purchase gives the Inspectors an