Mexborough and Swinton Times, June 7, 1929
Watered Milk.
Vendor Fined but Not Blamed.
” This is a difficult case, but on the analysis you are responsible. Personally, we do not attach any blame to you, but you must set that the milk you supply to the public is pure. Who put the water in the milk I do not know or suggest. We do not think you or your foreman had anything to do with it. We fine you the nominal penalty of 40s.” It was will these words that Mr, G. E. Cooke-Yarborough, chairman of the bench, indicated to Michael McDonough, farmer, of Firsby, that though they did not blame him for excess water being in milk they had to inflict a penalty.
Defendant was summoned for selling by the hands of Thomas Blemings, an employee, adulterated milk to Joseph Wilson, an inspector of the West Biding County Council, on March 26. Mr. H. S. assenligh, Deputy Town Clerk to the Doncaster Council, prosecuted, and Mr. W. Lindsay Crawford appeared for the defence.
Inspector Wilson said that a sample of milk was taken from the farm at Low Ellers, at the request of John Davies, milk dealer at Doncaster, and the analysis showed 16.2 points of added water. A further sample was taken direct from the cows, and this was of exceedingly good quality.
Defendant was not at the farm at the time, because in addition he had farms at Thursby and Conisboro% and he knew nothing of what took place with regard to the samples of milk.
John Davies said he purchased milk from defendant, and he made a request that samples should be taken at defendant’s place, because a sample was taken from him on March 21. This was his practice whenever an inspector took a sample from him.
Defendant, on oath, said he had been in business twelve years, and he had never before received any complaint with regard to his milk.
Thomas Blemings (foreman) and Arthur Panks (another employee) gave evidence in support of defendant, denying that any water was put into the milk, and they did not know who had.