MILK-VENDOR FINED

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 100, 24 October 1925, Page 20

MILK-VENDOR FINED

WATER CARRIED ON CART. Charged with selling milk containing 14 per cent, of added water, with currying water on his cart, contrary to the Health .Act, and with obstructing a milk inspector in the exercise of his powers, Henry Rupert Stephens appeared at the Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon before Mr. C. IV Orr Walker, S.M-., Mr.- P. S. K. Macassey conducted the prosecution, and defendant was represented by Mr. G. G.* Watson. Mi 1. Macassey said that the inspector, Frederick William Rawlinson, examined a- can on defendant's cart during, the hitter's absence and found a can half full of water. When Stephens returned the inspector asked him what was in the can and was told that it was empty. ■He then commanded defendant to hand over the can in the name of the Crown, whereupon defendant seized the can and threw the contents over the side of the cart. There was only a little water left in the bottom.

For the defence, Mr. Watson entered a plea of guilty on all three charges. Defendant had during the ten years' period that he had been engaged in the milk-vending business never had a single charge against him in this connection. In 1922 nineteen samples had been taken of his milk and it was found to be up to standard. This year samples had been taken about every twelve days and these also had been satisfactory. ' This fact showed the unlikelihood of his trying to add water to the milk. . Mr. Macassey : "What we suggest is that he added the water as he delivered the milk."

Defendant's'explanation for tho carrying of the water, continued Mr. Watson, was "that his horse was shedding hair and that he carried . the water to wipe the lops of his cans. Admittedly he lia'd acted foolishly when he tipped out the water and gave tho inspector n wrong answer. With 'regard to the charge-of selling milk with added, water, the milk was brought from JMakara and was left outside defendant's house during the night, during which time there was ample opportunity for someone to adulterate :it by taking some-out and filling up with water.' Mr. Macassey : "The water' was car; rietl on. tho. cart a week after another milkman had been convicted for the same offence. . 1 understand ;the defendant was in Court at that time.- It is a puerile' excuse." The Magistrate- : "I can't accept the explanation that the water ; was. Carried for the purpose stated. On that charge he will be fined £10. It is difficult,; m regard to the charge of selling milk containing water to fix penalties in such cases, because it-is possible that someone else may have have committed the offence. The penalty in this;, case must serv.e as a warning to others to keep their milk fresh and pure. He will bo fined £10 on this charge, and on the third charge of obstructing tho'inspector he will have to pa,y costs .amounting to 75." „'■'■,' '■--■;*;;?■■ . '■