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Milk.
There has been a very definite improvement in milk vending.
One large firm has supplied a new milk sterilizing and bottling plant
in conformity with plans suggested by the Department, and another
is just signing contracts for a still more up-to-date plant. The
advent of branches of large concerns dealing with milk on up-to-date
lines has set a standard which is being rapidly followed in the district.
The sale of pasteurised milk wholesale to small dealers is raising
a special problem. The milk is supplied in bulk, but there is apt to
be—if not very carefully watched—no particular care taken with
regard to the conditions under which it is retailed or bottled. Whatever
the value may have been in the efficient pasteurisation, it is
likely to be entirely nullified by the method in which it is handled
by some of the small dealers. The standard of a milk shop is also
steadily improving. The popular demand for a cream line is producing
a simultaneous demand for efficient pasteurising owing to
the lack of cream line as a result of flash pasteurising. Much of
the advantage of a clean milk supply is lost by the decanting of the
milk when delivered, from the bottle into unsterilised containers.
It is far better in the smaller homes if they would retain the milk
in the bottles as delivered, keeping something over the top to ensure
the absence of flies and dust.
302 inspections were carried out in respect of cowsheds, dairies
and milkshops.