WATER IN THE MILK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 234, 12 March 1915, Page 8

WATER IN THE MILK.

A FINE OF £2O.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Wellington, Last Night. William Incledon, dairyman, was today lined £2O and costs on a charge of selling adulterated milk containing 25 per cent, of added water, and artificially colored with annatto. Evidence for the prosecution was heard in April last, and for the defence Mr Myers raised the technical point that the Department could not prosecute because the in -1 k was not sold to the inspector. This was upheld and the case dismissed.

Against this decision the Crown appealed to tli e Supreme Court, and the appeal was upheld, and the case accordingly remitted to the magistrate. Mr Myers submitted that there were certain mitigating circumstances which he wished to place before the Court. Incledon had candidly admitted adding annatto but positively denied all knowledge of the added water. Annato was added to give th e milk a rich, creamy! appearance. Mr Massey asked that ail order !be made, a3 provided by the Act, directing that the defendant's name and place of business published in the newspapers. Mr Mycr3 objected to such an attempt to ruin a man's business after such a long period had elapsed. His Worship said he did not propose to make such an order, believing that a substantial fine would meet the case. The analysis showed that an abundance of water had been mixed with the milk, and if defendant did not place it there bimself he was responsible for the acts of 'his servants.

Mr Myers: It may have been the supplier who was at fault. His Worship* Then defendant should test the milk before he sells it.