540
TOXICOLOGICAL.
3. The toxicological cases investigated comprise eight cases of human poisoning. No cases occurred amongst Europeans. The poison in seven cases was opium and in the other was Datura
Alba.
4. A Chinatnan was convicted of throwing vitriol over a sampan woman. No personal injury was caused as the woman at once jumped into the harbour to free herself from the corrosive fluid.
5. A number of Chinese servants were rendered semi-unconscious by partaking of food containing the flower-heads of Datura Alba. The drug had been finely powdered then mixed with lard, which was thereupon mixed in with some ordinary food. The follen-grains of Datura Alba were easily recognized in the lard and byoscine was separated from the urine of the drugged persons.
WATERS.
6. The results of the analyses of samples taken each month from the Pokfulum and Tytan Reservoirs, and from the Kowloon service, indicate that these supplies continue to maintain their excellent qualities. Notwithstanding the increase in the number of residents in the Peak District, the Pokfulum water shows no sign of deterioration.
7. In the district recently leased from the Chinese Government 28 waters have been examined. In an Appendix will be found particulars of the monthly analyses of the public supplies, and of other waters.
S. The Dangerous Goods Ordinance, 1873 and 1892.--Of Petroleum and Petroleum Fuel, 234 samples were examined. Oil imported in tank steamers must undergo examination before being landed here; there are no regulations as to the quality of the oil imported in tins. With a view to ascertain the general nature of the illuminating oil on the Hongkong market, au examination of 50 samples procured from various stores in the Colony was undertaken. The average of the flashing points was 82° F. In every case when buying the samples the cheapest oil was asked for. The results of the experiments are recorded in an Appendix.
9. The Morphine Ordinance.-There were two prosecutions under this Ordinance and seven exhibits were examined.
10. The Food and Drugs Ordinance.--Forty-nine exhibits were examined. The following table shows the results of the examination of 41 samples taken for the purpose of analysis by the Police and by the Sanitary Board :--
Beer, Brandy,
Gin.
Milk,
Port Wine,
Rum,
Whisky,
Description.
No. of samples.
No. found genuine. No. found adulterated.
6
2
14
30 31 30 2 10 A 19
5
9
22
5
NOON CA 20 a
12
2
0
4
0
0
ONOTOCO
11. Eight samples of various kinds of food were examined for the public at the specially low fees laid down in the Ordinance.
12. The result of the systematic method of taking samples by the Police has been that the sale of adulterated liquor, has practically ceased in the Colony. As far as can be ascertained it appears that nearly the whole of the liquor as consumed at licensed houses by soldiers and sailors, is supplied with a certificate of freedom from adulteration either from this laboratory or from the analysts attached to the various distilleries in Great Britain and Ireland,
18. Examinations for the public.—A considerable number of articles of various kinds have been exa- mined for the public. The list comprises ores, coals, liquor, milk, resin, petroleum, opium, medicine, and water. For these examinations the public have paid $1,202.50 in fees.
14. Special reports. -Special reports have been supplied on :-
Liquid fuel.
Destruction of rats.
Sewage.
The British Pharmacopoeia of 1898.
The Discolouration of certain Buoys.
Petroleum lamps.
The Quality of Petroleum as supplied in Hongkong. Food Preservatives and Colouring Matters.