ADULTERATED FOOD STUFFS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 41, 28 May 1910, Page 5

ADULTERATED FOOD STUFFS

A CHRISTCHURCH FIRM CONVICTED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. W. M. Bannatyne and Co. were prosecuted in the Magistrate's Court to-day on a charge of selling adulterated pepper. Mr. C. A. Schauer, the Chief inspector under the Sale of Foods and Drugs Act, deposed to having called on defendants in consequence of the prosecution of a retailer at Petone He was shown a number of tins of "Star" brand pepper in the packing room by the manager (Mr. J. C. Tonka). When the latter knew what tin was wanted for analysis, he said: "Why sort me out? Why not go to someone else?" It was made clear that the manager refused to make any charge for the tin, though the Inspector olfered to purchase it. When it was announced that the pepper was wanted for analysis the manager made as though to detain him, but the Inspector advised him of his power under the Act to choose and demand any sample in a warehouse. In defence it was denied' that there had been any sale, or that the pepper was intended for sale. The manager swore that he did not know the particular brand of pepper was in the warehouse. The stuff was a balance of some old stock, but at last stocktaking it was not included.

Mr. Brown, who appeared for the defendant company, contended that as there had been no sale the information must be dismissed. This class of pepper was not intended for sale. His Worship disagreed. The result of the Chief Inspector's conversation with defendant's manager was sufficient to justify a conviction. A fine of 10s was imposed, with costs. Sub-Inspector Norwood conducted the prosecution on behalf of the Health Department.