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9. None of the alcoholic liquors were adulterated within the meaning of the Ordinance, (there being no legal standard for Brandy, etc., except as to alcoholic strength) but it is certain that much of the liquor sold in public houses in this Colony cannot be described as Brandy or Whisky in the original sense of the terms, being wholly or partially "silent" or patent-still" spirit, either artificially coloured and flavoured or with a small admixture of genuine liquor. During 1904 prosecutions have been successfully conducted in England against retailers of such liquors, the charge being (to take one instance) that the "Brandy" tained 60 per cent. of spirit other than grape spirit.
BUILDING MATERIALS.
10. The quality of the building materials used in Hongkong is a subject that requires investigation. It is quite possible to obtain lime of really good quality well burnt, and either "fat" or "hydraulic."-but much of that used contains a large proportion of lime carbonate owing to careless storage. The paint supplied by native contractors is sometimes grossly adulterated, in some instances the "white lead" is almost entirely replaced by sulphate of barium.
EXAMINATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC.
11. The public continue to take advantage of the Laboratory being open to undertake non-official analyses, and have forwarded a great variety of samples for examination. The fees paid into the Treasury during the year amount to $3,697; the largest amount yet earned in one year by this Laboratory.
SPECIAL REPORT.
12. Special Reports have been supplied on.
Arrack.
Dangerous Goods Ordinance. Prepared Opium Ordinance.
Kowloon Water Supply.
13. The value of the year's work, as determined from the tariff of fees (Gov- ernment Notification No. 664 of 1901) is $7.927. The specially low fee of $5 for the analysis of samples under the Food and Drugs Ordinance in no way represents, however, the actual value of the work done, which is frequently five
times the fee.
14. Mr. FRANK BROWNE, Government Analyst, left for England on leave on February 17th, 1904, since when I have acted in his post.
The Honourable
I have, &c.
ARTHUR C. FRANKLIN, Government Analyst.
The Principal Civil Medical Officer.
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