OFFICIALDOM RUN RIOT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27274, 28 December 1949, Page 5

OFFICIALDOM RUN RIOT

HOW MANY MONKEYS IN MONKEY NUTS? FOOD MINISTRY INQUIRIES NZPA Special Correspondent LONDON, Dec. 26. What is described as a “ choice piece of officialdom” has resulted in some of the following questions:— How many pears are there in Pear’s soap? How many bells are there in Bluebell metal polish? How many monkeys are there in monkey nuts? They have been asked following the Ministry of Food inquirying of the makers of the famous Bristol milk sherry: How much milk (agricultural) may be found in their product? The chairman of the firm commented: i “ Nobody but an imbecile would connect our sherry with the product of a cow.” After further rumination by the Ministry—perhaps some sherry-tasting —it was officially announced: “Action was taken which need not have been taken. The Ministry is satisfied that the brand name need not have been questioned” Commenting on the incident. “ Janus,” in the Spectator, observed that it recalled the case of a rigidly teetotal visitor to Cambridge College who was asked if he would take milk punch. He answered gratefully that he would. After a draught deep and long he beamed genially on the company and affirmed with emphasis: “ Some ’ cow! ”