WATER IN BUTTER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 383, 18 June 1928, Page 16

WATER IN BUTTER

FARMER PROTESTS TO UNION HEALTH DEPARTMENT BLAMED Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Sunday. An echo of recent prosecutions in connection with the percentage of water in farm butter was heard at a meeting of the Southland provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday when a letter was received from a farmer against whom a conviction was recorded. He stated that on payment of 2s 6d he received a copy of the analysis showing that the water content of his butter was 16.49 per cent., or less than i per cent, beyond the limit. He drew attention to the fact that the prosecution had been placed in the hands of the Crown solicitor, thus incurring a charge of three guineas, and added that if farmers were proceeded against by stock, honey or other inspectors who conducted their own cases, no costs were incurred. “I don’t know what the Health Department means by poking its nose into this,” said Mr. E. K. Sim. “Half per cent, of extra water will not affect our health, and. in fact, doctors tell us we do not drink enough water ”

Mr. Sim then moved that the department be written to i $ desting against the regulations being enforced in this manner in connection with farm butter, and a motion to this effect was passed. Mr. T. J. McCann said 16 per cent, was a fairly good margin, and the union ought to be careful how it moved. The chairman, Mr. E. Bowmar, said the question was a most important one, and he thought the motion should be unanimous.