DILUTED COW PRODUCT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3364, 2 November 1911, Page 7

DILUTED COW PRODUCT.

INTERESTING COURT CASE

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. The appeal of the Fresh Food and Ice Company against its conviction and fine by Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., for selling milk adulterated with water came before Mr. Justice Chapman yesterday. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop appeared for the company, and Mr. H. H. Ostler for the Crown. In stating the case the Magistrate said that on the 10th August C. A. Shaver, Chief Inspector under the Public Health Department, bought a sample of milk from the company, and had it analysed by the Dominion Analyst, whose certificate showed that the milk contained 12.71 per cent, of water. The defendant company called Professor Easterfield, who expressed the opinion that the water had not been added artificially, but the reverse view was expressed by the Dominion Analyst. Without deciding the question of fact the magistrate determined, as a matter of law, that the analyst’s certificate was prima facie evidence of the statements it contained; that as the certificate was not disputed it was sufficient to show that the sample contained a prohibitive substance, and that it was not necessary to prove that water had been added after the milk had been taken from the cow. Mr. Ostler submitted that if the point of law were decided against him it should be referred •to the magistrate to determine, the question of fact. His Honor agreed, and after hearing argument reserved his decision.-