Amongst the archives of the Bowler company is this letter of complaint and J B Bowler’s reply and explanation. The complaint about the earwigs relates to the Codd type bottles sealed with a glass ball from within. Once these bottles had been filled the internal pressure of the carbon dioxide gas secured the glass ball to a rubber washer in the neck of the bottle. As the bottles had no lid or cover any dirt – and in this case insects! -could fall onto the face of the marble exposed in the bottle neck. Mr Russell was a regular customer for soda water from Mr Bowler.
9 Sidney Place BATH
November 14, 1892
Mr Russell begs to enclose the cheque and to inform Mr Bowler that on three occasions lately he has found earwigs in the soda water, besides bristles, dirt, etc.
Dirty soda water is expensive because the spirits are poured out first and the soda water is then mixed and the tumbler then has to be emptied! Can Mr Bowler guarantee perfect cleanliness for this is all important, for health chiefly.
W G Russell
J B Bowler, Manufacturer of Ginger Beer, Lemonade, Ginger Ale and Other Aerated Waters
Corn Street Bath
November 14th, 1892
I here by acknowledge the receipt of your cheque in settlement of the account to present date as for bill including for which I return you my best thanks.
In answer to your note respecting the earwigs, if you will instruct your assistants to examine the bottles before opening them I think that you will be convinced that the get into the mouth of the bottle and hide, unnoticed, outside of the ball stopper after the goods arrive on your premises, for we are very meticulous in examining all the bottles after they are filled and before they are labelled.
Yours truly
J B Bowler