H.—3l.

As the standard adopted for milk-fat has been called in question, it may be of interest to publish in detail the results of a series of observations on this point which the Department has conducted in the different districts. These observations are still being made, but the results so far are embodied in a table which will be found in the appendix. The work done in the different health districts under this Act is shown in the following extracts from the reports of the District Health Officers :—

Auckland District. Manufacturers and importers, speaking generally, have shown themselves anxious to co-operate with the Department in carrying out the provisions of this Act, and numerous inquiries have been made as to its scope and application. The following examinations and condemnations have been made :—

Milk-supply. In accordance with instructions from headquarters, over a hundred samples of milk have been taken in accordance with the requirements of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act. Chief Inspector Haynes, of the Auckland City Council, an Inspector under the Act, has had samples taken from every milksupplier in the city. Samples are now being taken in the smaller centres throughout the district. In 5 cases prosecutions are to follow.

Samples of Milk examined.

39

Date. Sample. Result. Drugs. August 6, 1908 Paregoric. Laudanum Prosecution ensued. May 1, 1908 1909 Several samples .. Flour Six loaves Bret ! and Flour. 6 loaves excess moisture, 2 loaves under weight. Satisfactory. Packed for examination in Wellington December 1, 1908 February 10, 1909 t 9 samples ..2 „ Rear. From one brewery. Showed 105 grs. chloride sodium per gallon. Satisfactory.

Date. Sample. Result. October 21, 1908 .. 6 samples November 4 „ 12 „ 6 „ ..12 „ December 2 ,, 12 ,, 19 „ .. 18 „ February 2, 1909 .. 3 March 1 „ 1 „ 8 „ .. 6 „ „ 11 „ ..5 „ „ 11 „ .-2 „ „ 16 „ ..5 „ 16 „ ..1 „ „ 18 „ ..6 „ „ 22 „ ..6 „ „ 25 „ ..6 „ 1 mixture of skim and fresh milk, 1 deficient in fat, 4 to standard. 1 scalded, 2 deficient in fat, 2 slightly below regulations, 7 to standard. 1 mixture of skim and fresh milk, 4 slightly below standard, 7 to standard. 7 below standard (1 notably so), 5 to standard. 1 mixture skim and fresh milk, 5 below regulations, 12 to standard. .. 1 adulterated by abstraction of cream, 1 exceptionally rich milk, 1 to standard. 1 high quality. 6 to standard. 5 to standard. 1 deficient in solids not fat, and fat. 5 to standard. 1 deficient in solids not fat. 6 to standard. 4 to standard, 1 deficient in solids not fat, 1 deficient in solids not fat, and fat. 6 to standard. September 28, 1908 .. | 1 sample ., Humanised Milk. .. | 1 slightly above the average. Butter. February 1, 1909 .. I 1 sample.. .. | 1 faulty manufacture.