SCOUNDRELLY MILKMAN.

NZ Truth, Issue 70, 20 October 1906, Page 4

SCOUNDRELLY MILKMAN.

Alleged Cow-essence that was Nearly Half Water. Puerile Pretence that "It was the Boy." j Having successfully prosecuted a number of dirty dairy-keepers, the Stock Department took" a step m another direction at the Magistrate's Court last Monday when Inspector Drummond was informant m two charges of selling milk adulterated with water, preferred against a dairykeeper of Lower Hutt, named John Barker. Mr Stout, who appeared for the projsecution, elected td proceed on the charge of selling, and Mr Toogood, who represented the defendant, explained that Barker was not present, and he had advised him that his presence was not necessary, and on his behalf pleaded guilty. The explanation tendered by Mr Toogood, was the same old story, one with whiskers, on it and one that j badly wants trimming with clippers. In endeavoring to , exculpate Barker, Mr Toogood tried, no doiibt from, instructions, to sheet home the guilt of adulteration on the milk-boy, who unknovyn, of course, to Barker', had put water m the cow-juice. 'For this watering trick, Mr Toogood said Barkef severely reprimanded the boy, who if he deserved anything at all ought to have been sacked on the spot and iftnominously kicked off the premises. Barker was given a certificate of good character by his lawyer, who said he was: a very respectable mai: against whom ho previous complaints of milk adulteration had been made, and he , trusted that Dr. McArthur would deal leniently with his client.. It was a. serious offence, admittedly, but, being an isolated case, he did not think the man should suffer the full consequences of the mishap. (Presumably -the learned gentleman left out the words- "of be.ing caught.") When the Stout had ceased to flow Barker had been made to look a goat. It was pointed out that he was liable to a penalty of £50 for such an offence, but the Department did not press for the full penalty. As far as system was concerned he (Mr' Stout) would like to point out that several cans of milk were found to be adulterated, and that the hoy was hardly likely .to water the milk without knowing that it was the practise and without his employer's knowledge. Dr. McArthur : A boy generally does not do more than he is told to do ! • Mr Stout went on to say that the Government Analyst had reported that the percentage of ,added water m the milk, which was contained m cans, was from 30 to. 44 per cent. That fact did not show that it was lan isolated case. ; Dr. McArthur imposed a fine of £10 with costs amounting to £8 12s, which will knock a bit of a hole m the wickedly earned money pouched by the sale of creek-juice for cow extract.