CRIME AND THE SCIENTIST.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1935, Page 6

CRIME AND THE SCIENTIST.

Details of the work performed by the Dominion Laboratory for the Police and other departments of State are given in the annual report of the Department of Svientific and Industrial Research. They indicate, among other interesting details, the value of the laboratory in the detection of crime and of fraudulent practices. Specimens received from the police have been examined for poison; specifics were tested to ascertain whether they contained habit-forming drugs; “home brew” provided suspects in regard to sly grog, and even counterfeit coins came under the purview of the laboratory. Some interesting results were arrived at. A scrap of paint , on a tyre lever used to force open a door was sufficient, with the aid of the scientists, to prove that the lever was the

implement used; some “honeymead” was found to contain 25 to 26 per cent, of proof spirit; and even hairs on a razor alleged to have been stolen were identified. “A belt sold at a very high price tor the treatment of rheumatism” was found to consist of flannel plus Joz. of sulphur. But in regard to the large number of various foodstuffs and drinks examined the verdict is that “with few exceptions these were found to comply with the regulations.” Out of 349 samples of butter examined 15 contained water in excess of the maximum allowed. Examination of milk retailed in the four chief centres and the surrounding districts showed considerable differences in the quality of the milk supplied, while New Zealand-made jam was “all of very good quality.” Further protection of the public has been afforded by the examination of stores offered for purchase by State departments in order to ensure they were of proper standard. In addition, investigations have been made in regard to the suitability of paint ana paint compounds, and in regard to the corrosion of certain materials' used in public works. Taken as a whole the report bears eloquent testimony to the share taken by the scientist in assisting industry and in preventing the exploitation of the public. It indicates also how closely in touch he is with what are often accepted as public services which are almost automatic in their operations. Really their smooth and correct working is due largely to the supervision and skill of the scientist.