FILLED CORDIAL JAR WITH PETROL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20130, 15 December 1928, Page 18

FILLED CORDIAL JAR WITH PETROL.

(Published by Arrangement.)

GAB AGE MAN FINED. INTERESTING TEST CASE IN COUNTRY. A ca3e of unusual interest to cordial makers occurred at Albury, N.S.W., on September 18, when Sharpe Bros., cordial manufacturers, proceeded against Cecil Brown, proprietor of the Standard Motor Garage for having used a jar to contain petrol whereby the wholesomeness and cleanliness of (he fluid usually carried in such jars was endangered. The charge was brought under the Pure Food Act. Evidence was given that Sharpe Bros, were distributors of ginger beer and similar soft drinks in gallon and twogallon jars, a Condition of the sale being that the jar remains the property of the firm, the contents only being sold. John Day, manager of the firm, deposed that on July 25 he saw one of the firm's jars being filled with petrol in front of defendant's garage. Petrol, he said, had a detrimental effect on the jar, as it con Id not be cleaned by the ordinary method, and it was difficult to banish the odour of petrol from the jar. The man who was having the jar filled gave the name of Eris Smith, but ho could not be traced. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Oswald Watson, an employee of defendant. admitted having filled tho jar for a customer. The Court was informed that Sharpe Bros, sold their bevcraccs in one gallon jars, hut neither sold the jars nor charcred a deposit thereon, merely loaning them to customers until the contents were consumed. Counsel pointed out that the illegal detention and misuse of these jars was of serious importance to the firm, as the value of the jars did not depend upon (heir cost, but upon their life: (hat was. tlio number of limes they could be used Every precaution had been taken to warn the public, a conspicuous notice was branded on each jar. periodical warnings were published in the news papers, and dealers, auctioneers, hotelkeepers, boatmen, and others had been warned bv circular. The prosecution was one in which a conviction was sought to show the public that thev could not misuse the inrs with impunity. A verdict was given for Sharpe Bros., and the defendant was fined 10s, with £? TOs costs. The puhlic are hereby notified to take notice of the stamped warning on our jars, and that any offender disobeying such warning will be prosecuted without further notice.