MILK SOLD

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 181, 2 August 1941, Page 12

MILK SOLD

WATER HAD BEEN ADDED TWO DEFENDANTS FINED Two prosecutions were brought by the Health Department in the Police Court against defendants for selling milk containing added water. In the case of John \V. Pearsc, a health inspector said a sample of milk taken on April 22 showed that it contained five per cent of added water. "It was probably carelessness, as Mr. Pearse has a very good record," added the inspector. Senior-Sergeant Joyce said defendant was in business on his own account at Avondale, and Pearse explained that a little water might have got into the milk through a machine being under reDair. Mr. F. K. Hunt. S.M.. imposed a fine of £5 and costs. Blackout Blamed Mabel Stephens, for whom Mr. Inder appeared, pleaded guilty to a charge of selling milk which contained 33 per cent of added water. "It is obvious, from the quantity of water found by the analysis, that a genuine mistake was made." said Mr. Inder. "The milking shed was in darkness as defendant was observing the blackout, and with four cows in the bails it was difficult to see. My client cools milk twice, necessitating the use of water. The only explanation that can be advanced is that a bucket containing water was tipped into the milk. Mrs. Stephens and her husband have been in business for 2r> years and have built up a special Jersey herd. Thev have had an unexcelled record in the past, the milk always being of the highest quality." Defendant was fined £5 and costs.