M(1)30
TOXICOLOGICAL.
2. Among the chemico-legal investigations made during the year were 39 cases of suspected human poisoning. The results of the examinations are tabulated below :-
Results of Analysis.
No poison found No. of Cases. 16 Opium found 20 Opium and Japanese Star Anise 1 Japanese Star Anise (Illicium Religiosum) 2 Total, 39PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES.
3. A considerable amount of attention was given to the water supplies during the year, especially during the time of greatest shortage. Samples of water from various new sources were examined as to their fitness for potable purposes and some were reported upon favourably.
In October a more elaborate system of water examination was instituted, samples being taken from each supply monthly, of both filtered and unfiltered water and also samples from the public mains. The object was to check the efficiency of the filters and also to ascertain the amount of contamination, if any, between the filter beds and the consumer.
DANGEROUS GOODS.
4. Of petroleum oil and liquid fuel, 146 samples were tested during the year. The tanks of 47 steamers were tested for inflammable vapour with the Clowes-Redwood apparatus.
As a result of the new Dangerous Goods Regulations samples from consignments of petroleum do not require to be tested before the cargo may be discharged. Consequently the number of kerosene and fuel oil samples examined in future will be considerably less than has been the case in the past.