MILKMAN IMPRISONED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10457, 25 July 1925, Page 4

MILKMAN IMPRISONED.

MILK WITH WATER ADDED. 'J £SO FINE AND MONTH IN GAOL. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 24. Observing that the case was the worst of its kind that had come under his notice, Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., to-day fined a milkman £SO and sent him _to gaol for a month on charges of selling milk containing added water. Defendant was Gordon Thomas Stromain, and he was charged with (a) selling milk that contained 80 per cent, of added: water, (b) selling milk that contained 78 per cent, of added water, and (c) while carrying milk in his vehicle for sale or delivery carried water on the same, contrary to the provisions of the Health Act. ' After hearing lengthy evidence the Magistrate said that with regard to carrying water he would give defendant the benefit of the doubt. Regarding the two charges of adulteration he was not satisfied with defendant's evidence and was going to convict. Counsel at the conclusion of the hearing suggested that a severe penalty would put his client out of business. The Magistrate: He should go out ot business'. I'll put him out of business. It is the worst case of its kind I've heard of and was wilfully done. The Grown has been put to-' a lot of trouble. I will fine defendant £SO on the first charge. On the second charge he wilt be sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

Counsel proceeded to make a statement when his Worship stopped him saying, "That'll do. If you don't likeit you can appeal."

HEAVY FINES IN AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND, July 24. Four dairymen were fined a total of £l3O in the -Police Court to-day for selling milk containing added water. George D. Bates, on two charges, relating to 39 per cent, and 35 per cent, of added .water", was fined £3O on each charge. - The Magistrate, Mr Pbynton, said, that if defendant thought the fine too heavy he could apply to the Minister. The public must be protected. It was little children who suffered, and it was. on thjs sustenance that life and! death often depended. Henry John Millen admitted four charges* relating to ten, nine, eight and! seven per cent, of added water. The Magistrate imposed a fine of £lO on each charge. George Mitchell, on a charge of 18 per cent, added water, was fined £2O, and Charles Wilson (nine per cent.) £lO.