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65
undeclared mixtures of coffee and chicory is no longer so frequently
met with as heretofore, but, on the other hand, mixtures
containing an undue proportion of chicory are still sold as coffee
and chicory, or French coffee. Such mixtures should, in my
opinion, be labelled with the approximate proportions of the ingredients
stated on the label.
Gin.—Nine samples were analysed, and of these six were
genuine and above the statutory strength, being respectively
30¼°, 32¾°, 33¾°, 33¾°, 34½° and 35° under proof.
Three samples were watered, being 36½°, 37°, and 87½° under
proof respectively.
The proportion of extra water was in one case (36½° u.p.) too
trifling to justify a prosecution.
Milk.—Fifty-seven samples were analysed and forty-eight
were genuine ; of these fifteen were of poor quality.
Nine samples were adulterated.
Of these three contained 4 per cent, of water beyond that
present in milk of average quality. These may possibly have
been genuine, but of very poor quality, and the vendors were
not prosecuted.
The decidedly adulterated milks consisted of:—
1 sample containing 5% added water.
1 „ „ 8% „ „ and also
deficient in fat 20 per cent.
1 sample containing 10% added water.
1 „ „ 23% „
1 „ „ 25% ,, „
1 „ ,, 30% „ „ and in
addition one half a per cent, of starch (corn-flour), and was
also half skimmed. In this case the vendor declared the
milk to be "partly skimmed milk." In spite of the gross extent
of the adulteration with water and starch, the case was dismissed
by the magistrate on a legal technicality. It appears that on
being asked for a pint of milk by Inspector Grist the vendor
replied "I have no milk," and on being asked "What have
you then?" replied "Partly skimmed milk." "Then give me
a pint of partly skimmed milk," said the inspector. Nothing
was said as to the water or starch by the vendor, and I am at a
loss to understand on what grounds the case was dismissed.
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