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diate control, and that consigned from farms in respect of
which no suspicion could be entertained; moreover, the
work of the Depot was open to close supervision, and under
these circumstances, having full regard to public safety, it
was considered that the business of the Dairy might go on.
On the other hand, while the agency of infection remained
undiscovered, it was felt that recurrence of the mischief
might at any time take place, and there was danger that
the milk excluded from the epidemic area might be distributed
elsewhere. Besides, the suspension of supply could
be nothing more than a temporary expedient, subject any
moment to become ineffective through relaxation or disregard.
At all events, it was obvious that the enquiry
could not be permitted to rest here.
Milk for distribution by Dairy B. has been described as
coming from three quarters. Certainly the largest in bulk
is that derived from the proprietary farm, reaching an
average of 20 to 25 churns a day. This source, shut down
on April 3rd, was reopened on the 7th, inspection having
failed in the discovery of any local condition that could be
regarded as the factor of contamination.
Next in quantitative importance comes the country supply
under consideration. Dairy B. obtained consignments
daily from a firm of dealers carrying on business at Salisbury.
At many stations on the South Western main line of rails,
branch depots ate established by this firm, offering local
facilities to farmers for the disposal of their yield of milk,
Such stations are Semley, Templecombe, West Pennard.
Sittingbourne, Horsley, and Tisbury, besides the more
important station of Salisbury itself. From all Dairy B
had received consignments during the month of March.
As in the case of the proprietary farm this source was
closed on April 3rd, and reopened on the 7th.