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Complaints have recently been made by the Military authorities, that bad liquor is supplied by a number of public houses in this Colony, a list of which has reached me, together with samples, which have not yet been examined. From the results of analyses taken systematically by the Police for several years past, I am of opinion that very little bad liquor is sold (ie. liquor containing injurious ingredients). At any rate, bad liquor rarely finds its way into the hands of an Inspector. If a large amount of drunkenuess occurs, followed by ill effects, it is due to the amount of liquor consumed and not to its bad quality. The liquor sold is very cheap, but it is possible to produce pure spirits quite cheaply, i.e., spirits which contain but minute and perfectly harmless quantities of the deleterious pro-
ducts of distillation.
7. Ten samples of liquors made in Mauila were analysed for the public. These included samples of Brandy, Gin, Anisette, and Anise liquor.
8. In connection with the analysis of food and drugs, I have to report that, for the information of the Sanitary Board, I have commenced the series of analyses, in order to report upon the Milk supply of the Colony. These analyses were commenced in September last, and since that time twenty-four samples have been examined. The report will be issued as soon as a sufficient number of results have been obtained. The samples are taken from cows, buffaloes and goats.
9. Samples of Soda Water and Lemonade were examined and found to contain lead. from Foochow.
TOXICOLOGICAL.
These came
10. The toxicological cases examined comprise three cases of human poisoning. In one case the poison was found to be opium. In another, a mixture of herbs, administered in the form of a decoc- tion made with foul water, caused death, and in the third case the root and stem portions of Gelse- mium Nitidum or Wild Jasmine were found to be the cause of poisoning. In connection with the above a number of herbs were examined and were all found, with one exception, to be quite harmless. They were also probably quite ineffective as medicines.
One exhibit was examined in a vitriol throwing case.
Samples of turnips, potatoes, bread and water were examined for the Military authorities at Wei- hai-wei. The goods were supplied by a local contractor, the water was condensed sea water and was found to contain quantities of vegetable matter, owing probably to uncleanliness in the tank in which the water was stored or in the condensing apparatus. Amongst the foods the potatoes were reported on as being poor in quality, containing but ninc per cent. of starch, and of low nutritive value.
MISCELLANEOUS ANALYSES.
11. The following miscellaneous articles were examined :—
Blood stains, mineral water bottles, cement, coal, cord, Chinese medicine and saltpetre. 12. Examinations for the public.-The list of articles examined for the public comprises coal, liquor, milk, petroleum and water. For these examinations the public have paid in fees $890.
13. Special reports.-Special reports have been supplied on :--
The manufacture of Vermilion by the Chinese.
The storage of Saltpetre.
Milk standards,
Petroleum in tins.
14. Value of work done.--As determined from the tariff of charges published in Government Notification No. 319 the value of the work carried out amounts to $3,100. A large amount of other work in connection with special reports and general laboratory work has not been included in this estimate.
15. Library.—A number of works of reference were received during the year.
16. Mr. FRANK BROWNE, the Government Analyst, has been absent on leave since April 4th last, upon which date I took over the management of the Hospital Pharmacy and Government Laboratory.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
THOMAS J. WILD, Acting Government Analyst.
THE PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL OFFICER,
&c.,
&C.
&c.