307
17. In appendix B. to this report will be found the results of the analyses of 24 specimens of hilk from one of the largest dairies under European management in this Colony which have hitherto not been published. The samples represent the mixed product of a large number of cows. The authenticity of the milk in each case can be proved.
18. It will be seen that the non-fatty solids vary from 8.7 to 9.5, the fat from 3.1 to 4.2, and the ash from .54 to .75 per cent. These results agree with those obtained by the late Principal of the Somerset House Laboratory and by the analyst to the Aylesbury Dairy Company. A comparison of ne averages obtained by these investigators and the average results of the analysis of the Hongkong specimens appears at the foot of the table. In the case of the non-fatty solids, the constituents on which the presence of added water is determined and calculated, it will be seen that the results are practically identical. The method of analysis adopted by the Somerset House chemists has been rigidly adhered to in every instance.
THE MORPHINE ORDINANCE, 1893.
19. In six prosecutions under this Ordinance, twenty-three Police Court exhibits were forwarded by the Magistrate for examination. Nineteen were found to contain morphine hydrochloride. In the case heard on the 5th of December two of the exhibits consisted of the alkaloid strychnine. It is not clear, how, or with what object, this poisonous substance is used by injectors of morphine. In one quarter I was informed that the use of strychnine rendered necessary the employment of a smaller quantity of morphine and that less irritation was caused by the puncture of the injection needle. There is room for further investigation in this matter.
ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS,
20. Medicated Wines.-For several years the question of the sale without a licence of Chinese so-called medicated wines has been the subject of enquiry, but not until last year has it been argued in the Supreme Court.
21. The following free translation of a Chinese label will afford an indication of the general character of these wines. In nearly every instance they are recommended for a purpose that cannot be mentioned here:-
"The medicated wines of this shop have been carefully manufactured from the best selected drugs.
This wine acts not only as a tonic but it drives away disease as well, converts the old man into a youth, can prolong life, changes the weak into the strong, and stops the feeling of lassitude after hard work. It gives good spirits and muscular strength: its uses are unlimited. Those gentlemen who have tried it will know that there is no falsehood in these words."
The wines are put up in reputed pints and quarts. The former are sold at prices ranging from 10 to 17 cents each. In all cases the bottles are labelled, but no dose is specified.
22. In the following table will be found a statement of the composition of the 12 specimens forwarded by the Police:-
Alcoholic strength in degrees under
=
ANALYSIS OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.
Percentage by weight of
Remarks.
Total solid
Proof.
Alcohol.
Ash.
matter.
24
36.56
9.75
0.169
Cinnamon flavour.
27
34.79
10.58
0.038
5 8 5 9 9
61
18.29
8.51
0.190
59
18.91
8.97
0.170
Feebly bitter said to have been prepared from
the penes of 3 animals and hartshorn. Prepared from hartshorn and ginseng.
37
29.94
12.04
0.193
Good liqueur flavour.
52
22.45
6.10
0.450
42
27.34
13.60
0.130
23
36.90
10.22
0.140
Cinnamon flavour.
45
25.81
11.91
0.113
Feebly bitter.
25
3.5.74
15.26
0.220
Sold with circular in English and Chinese.
36
30.25
1.33
0.115
39
28.70
1.46
0.114