ADULTERATION OF LIOUOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 80

ADULTERATION OF LIOUOR.

(FHOU OUB OWIJ- CORBESPOKDENTJ CHRISTCHURCH, May 11. • Dr F. A. .Moncton, -of Feilding, the wellknown authority .on diabetes, lias an interesting " letter in to-night's Truth dealing with -the . adulteration of alcoiholic liquors. He- explains that there are three principal alcqhols or spirits. One is ethyl, or pure spirit, derived from distilling grapes or malted grain, and is wholesome when taken in moderation ; another is amyl, or starch spirit, obtained *from potatoes, maize, or any unmalted grain. It is cheaper to make, and eminently unwholesome. This is also called patent or silent spirit, and is largely used either by itself or to blend with a small quantity of Scotch or Irish whisky as a cheap substitute for the genuine article, and its use. of course, may enable manufacturers or importers to obtain an illegitimate profit at the expense of other people's healths or intellect. The third spirit is distilled from wood, and is familiarly known as methylated spirit. It was ordinarily too nauseous to drink, and so escaped paying duty, but a plan has been devised by which 'it can be deprived of its smell and taste, and made to do duty for whisky. This also would have a very damaging effect upon the human system." He concludes — " We will suppose a publican to possess a high notion of integrity and fair dealing, and within my own knowledge I -can point to several such, both in the past and the present. Now, I ask, Can khey protect themselves or their customers? They are not analytical chemists, and they have to deal out, in good faith whatever the importers supply them with. . Unless the Government steps in and says 'a sample of each liquor for consumption shall be' tested before admission into the colony.'"

'A Bankrupt! named M 'Garry Has given remarkable evidence before the court in Hobart. Ho first admitted havinpr lost CSOO in the streets of Hobart whilst drunk. Then he purchased large quantities of itock and other goods and sold them, pocketing the proceeds and failing to pay the. accounts,.