MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Press, Volume LXXXIIi, Issue 25214, 19 June 1947, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

WEDNESDAY (Before Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M.) MILK-SUPPLIER FINED The Medical Officer of Health proceeded against Brian S. Ramsden, a dairyman, on three charges of unlawfully supplying milk containing added water contrary to the Food and Drugs Regulations. . For the Health Department, Mr A. W. Brown said three samples of milk had been taken at Ramsden’s dairy, from which milk was sold in bulk to Canterbury Dairy Farmers’ Co-operative Association. In the first sample taken, the aniount of added water was 11 per cent., the second 13 per cent., and the third 15 per cent. On April 18, when the milk was being tested by the United Dairies Analyst, it was found that the milk contained 15 per cent, of added water. Inquiries had been made, and samples taken from three drums. Defendant had been co-operative, and there was no suggestion that the water had been put in Defendant had a very fine record as a milk-supplier, his butter-fat content being always well up to standard Ramsdpn, in explanation, had said that before the samples were taken a cow had knocked over a cooler, which was damaged and had developed a leak. It appeared that water had been dripping into the milk. Mr W. R. Lascelles, for Ramsden, said the most important point was that there was no deliberate attempt to deceive. The accident to the cooler was the main cause, and the inability of defendant to secure proper washers was contributory. It was unfortunate for a man of such a good type to make such an error. His milk had always been first grade, cows and milk were regularly tested, and he always had the best butter-fat test. Inspectors had been well satisfied with the way in which the dairy had been run. The Magistrate said he was satisfied that the offence was not deliberate, but there had been reason for more careful checking.

Ramsden was fined £4 on the first charge and ordered to pay solicitors’ fee £2 2s. On the other two charges he was convicted and ordered to pay solicitor’s fee £1 Is on each charge.