WATER IN THE MILK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20929, 20 July 1931, Page 7

WATER IN THE MILK.

TWO VENDORS CONVICTED. FARMER ACCEPTS. BLAME. An unusual instance was presented in the Magistrate's Court at Hawera last week of a dairy farmer who accepted full responsibility for the presence of water in milk supplied to customers by licensed vendors, who, according to the regulations, were held liable and accordingly suffered (ho penalty of a conviction. Frederick Ernest Starling and Edward Dver, of Hawera, milk vendors, were charged with selling adulterated milk, to which offence they pleaded guilty. Sergeant J. Henry, conducting police proceedings, said that an inspector had taken a sample of milk delivered by the defendants and, according to the analytical report, the sample contained 15 per cent, of added water. Counsel for defendants said that the case was most unfortunate, iu that «the milk had been supplied to customers exactly in the condition in which it was received.' As a matter of fact, the farmer who supplied the "milk had samples when Starling and Dyer made a complaint, and on finding that there was 15 per cent, of added water had made a thorough inspection of the cooler in his dairy, and there found several cracks which leaked water. The fanner would tako the wholo responsibility, said counsel. A letter from the Health Department was put in showing that the fat content of the milk had not been effected by the "watering." Harold F. Wren, dairy farmer, under arrangement with the defendants for the supply of milk, said he was unaware that anything was wrong with the supply until advised by Starling and Dyer. Ho immediately repaired the cooler, which he found to bo defective. There were several "hair" cracks caused by severe frosts, for at that time the galvanised water pipes had burst. All responsibility for t.VM leakage was accepted by witness.

Tim borough inspector said die took the sampi« and was satisfied with the explanation made by Wren that the adulteration had occurred on his farm. The fact remained, of course, that the milk on that dato did not comply with the regulations. A technical explanation of the effect of expansion and contraction in the cooler, which was composed of two metals, was given by a plumber, who said that he had repaired the cracks. The magistrate, Mr. J. 11. Salmon said that the percentage of water was- undoubtedly high, but the extraordinary fact was that the dairyman supplying the vendors accepted the responsibility. Nevertheless, the vendors wore involved under the requirements of (ho Act, and. although innocent tradesmen, would have to suffer the penalty. A nominal fine of £2 was imposed.

t'heer up—AuckJandors! Wo arc not going to pass out! We're like (he man who has been feeling bilious through living too high—has had to take medicine and is suffering terrible pains. It's only a passing , spasm, he will quickly recover —and he very careful lo avoid over-rich foods for a . time. Wc Aucklnnders were doing too well—exports selling at high prices—money rolling in. We became too extravagant, squandering money on beautifying schemes, luxurious pleasure, etc. ■ We've had our medicine —sudden and drastic falls in values of exports—and wo are now suffering the pains. However, we'll soon recover and settle down to hard work and steady progress. Remember that for food that is pure, wholesome and most nourishing, there is nothing to compare with good meat. Prices are right down, and by dealing at an A.BJ.C. shop you are assured of the choicest quality imaginable.