5

H.—23.

Eepoet on the Analysis of a Sample of Spirit received from the Police, 15th January, 3.879. Having examined the sample of spirit received from Mr. Inspector Hickson, I find it to contain 45 per cent, of alcohol by volume. A. ~W. Bickeeton, Canterbury College Laboratory, 16th January, 1879. Colonial Analyst. Eepoet on the Analysis of a Sample of Beee (supposed to be adulterated) received from Dr. Stmes, 31st December, 1878. Specific gravity at 62 deg. F., l'0072; specific gravity after evaporation, rO189; alcohol per cent, (volume), 8; extract, 475; ash, '30; colour of ash, white; taste of extract, bitter, no pungency; taste of alcohol, bitter, no pungency. The appearance of this beer wa» slightly turbid, with a certain amount of residue. The taste alone did not indicate that it contained anything of an abnormal character. A miscroscopic examination of the residue revealed the presence of a very large number of yeast cells, together with a small portion of fibrous woody material, probably derived from the cask containing the beer. Particles of tobacco were specially looked for, but with negative results. The high percentage of alcohol points to a strong beer, but the presence of yeast cells shows that it has not been well made. There is no evidence to prove that it has been adulterated ; the quantity received, however, did not allow of a very exhaustive analysis being made. A. W. Bickeeton, Canterbury College Laboratory, 16th January, 1879. Colonial Analyst. Eepoet on the Examination for Blood-stains on Aeticles received from the Police, sth August, 1878, in Connection with the Case of Eegina v. Hoff. I have examined both microscopically and chemically the following articles received from Sergeant Macdonald —namely, (1) axe-head, (2) cleaver, and (3) shingle-hammer —but can find no satisfactory evidence as to the presence of blood on them. A. ~W. Bickeetow, Canterbury College Laboratory, sth August, 1878. Colonial Analyst. By Authority : Geoege Didbbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Price 6d.]

2—R. 23.