THE TRIUMPH OF BEER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 460, 18 May 1899, Page 18

THE TRIUMPH OF BEER.

In a recent issue of the London Licensed Victuallers Gazette there is an article on the subject of lead poisoning amongst the workers in the English potteries. It has long been recognised that lead poisoning is one of the greatest difficulties the potter has to contend against. Lead in some form or other is almost absolutely necessary for the production of china and earthenware, and in the process of manufacture the lead gets into the system of the workwoman or workman with c r a-. sequent disastrous results to her or hi: health. The English Governm«’” u has, for years, been trying to minimise this fearful danger to the workers, and individual and general efforts have been made to mitigate or to do away with the evil altogether. One of the methods employed to combat the efforts of the poison, is to supply the workers with drinks which would have a counter effect to the lead. Recently an interesting Blue Book was issued by the Home Office giving the result of the inquiries made by Professor Thorpe, Principal of the Government Labor atory. and Professor Oliver, physician to the Royal Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on this subject. The investigations they made on behalf of that Department were confined to the employment of compounds of lead in the manufacture of pottery, and their influence on the health of the workpeople. The professors have, in this report, considered the question of suitable drinks, and now it may be seriously considered whether beer is an antidote to or preventative of lead poisoning. By the workers in the potteries the idea that beer minimised the effects of the lead, has long been a prevailing one, but as there had been no scientific investigation to back their opinion, this was looked upon as an excuse, or as a matter of tradition, more than of reliable substance. Now the report of the professors named above has been published, people will believe that after all there is something in the beer theory. The report says: “ Although we do not attach too much importance to the tradition, it ought to be stated that beer is a fluid rich, as a rule, in soluble sulphates, more particularly of lime and magnesia, which would unquestionably exert some thereapeutic influence. Analyses have been made in the Government Laboratory of three samples of beer largely consumed by workpeople in the Potteries. Tea is, of course, the favorite beverage of the women, but, as judged from the degree of permanent hardness in the general water supply of the Pottery district, the amount of soluble sulphates present in tfie infusion is comparatively small.” This report bears cut what the workpeople themselves have thought for years, and though probably the teetotallers will laugh at the opinion expressed above, there is no doubt there is a great deal in it. The Licensed Victuallers'* Gazette says Anyhow, here is a scientific report by Government chemists and

gentlemen of high professional standing, who, having their minds free from the warpings of intemperate bias, have discovered a truth which may save pain and misery to hundreds of working men and women, and this truth is a fresh fact about our valued and valuable friend, John Barleycorn. No doubt, almost before these lines are printed, some one who knows nothing about it will be rushing into print to refute the discovery of these two scientists, and will prove to his own satisfaction that it would be better for every man, woman, and child in the whole of the Potteries to be poisoned than take a glass of beer. But

truth is great, and must prevail after all, and if this beneficent gift of Providence does all that the professors claim for it, we say that the brewers are greater benefactors than ever.” These sentiments we echo.