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arrangements have had to be made by reducing the amount
of work originally required. This no doubt has been unavoidable
under present supply conditions, but it is unfortunate
because the high standard originally striven for has not
always been attained. The Ministry of Works, so far as it
concerns that department, have also been co-operative in
issuing building licences for work considered essential in
catering establishments.
Again, occasional lengthy delays, involving considerable
correspondence, have occurred before the Ministry were
satisfied that the case for "essentiality" had been made out
for the issue of a licence in any given ca3e. It will be seen,
therefore, that the combined effect of those various factors
(most of which are inevitable at the present time) has been
markedly to interfere with routine inspection of catering
establishments, and has to some extent retarded the degree
of improvement which could reasonably have been effected
had circumstances been more propitious.
On the whole, the Catering Trade has been very co-operative, as is
shown by the fact that during the year under review it was not necessary
to institute legal proceedings in a single case. Whenever attention has
been drawn to unsatisfactory conditions there has been a genuine desire
and attempt to meet the criticisms made, and one is glad to record that
in some instances, caterers themselves have taken the initiative in
effecting very desirable improvements in unsatisfactory conditions.
The difficulties of the trade are fully realised, particularly in regard to
the frequently changing and untrained staffs carrying out certain kitchen
duties. The inspectors, during their visits, have noted in some cases,
staff engaged on washing-up operations, unable to read the indicating
thermometer attached to the washing-up machine. Nevertheless, it is
felt that there is a greater interest, perception and growing appreciation
of the importance of hygiene by the higher executive staff, resulting in
the regular inspection of kitchens and staff quarters by responsible
personnel of the management staff. If this practice were more widely
adopted the beneficial results would be obvious.
Another difficulty which affects some of the smaller establishments
is the incidence of heavy purchase tax for such essential equipment as
refrigerators, water heaters, &c. This acts as a discouragement to those
willing and anxious to comply with the requirements of the Food and
Drugs Act.
Whilst further improvements are still necessary and desirable in
many establishments, supervision of conditions under which food is
prepared and stored must continue to exercise the active attention of
your inspectors. But it should nevertheless be borne in mind that the
number of cases of food poisoning which have been notified during the
year is infinitesimal in relation to the number of meals served in the
City each day.