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being in possession of tuberculous meat, has notified the fact as soon as he
became aware of it, and that no complaints have ever been made to us as to
any injury accruing from prosecution in such cases.
As a matter of fact, practically the whole of the meat trade in the City is in
the hands of the salesmen of the Market, upon whose premises the meat is
deposited for the purpose of sale, and who, on becoming aware that the meat
is unfit for food, immediately call attention to the fact. In such cases, if the
evidence is sufficient to justify, action is taken against the consignor, who is
clearly the guilty person.
So far as the City was concerned, therefore, the circular letter of the Local
Government Board does not in any way affect the action of the Corporation,
as in every detail the recommendations are in accord with the routine action
of its officers.
That the trade is alive to the importance of the exercise of the greatest
caution in conducting their business is shown by the advice given by the
London Butchers and Pork Butchers' Trade Society. Traders having occasion
to purchase offal were recommended immediately upon delivery of the same at
their shops to take care it was strictly examined, and in the event of any
portion being found otherwise than perfectly sound, to place it without a
a moment's loss of time in the "receptacle for trade refuse." They have also
made arrangements whereby their members can be represented by a scientific
expert whenever a seizure is taken before a magistrate.
Such a course will be of the greatest service to the Corporation in their
endeavour to punish the dishonest and criminal trader without injury to
legitimate business.
UNSOUND IMPORTED FROZEN RABBITS.
On the 1st June last information was received that a number of cases of
Australian rabbits of doubtful quality had been discharged into lighters from
the s.s. "Medic" for conveyance to wharves up the river.
It was ascertained that some of these cases had been taken to the Central
Markets, but that the greater portion of the damaged ones had been delivered
at the Union Cold Air Stores beneath Cannon Street Station. Upon visiting
this place it was found that a survey for damage was in progress on behalf of
the Insurance Companies. Notice "not to deliver" was followed by an
application on behalf of the Underwriters for permission to remove these
rabbits to a country town for examination by the local authority. It being
undesirable to entertain this proposal, the whole consignment, consisting of
upwards of 80.000 rabbits was examined at the Stores. The work was
commenced on the 10th June, not being completed until the 14th July, and
resulted in the seizure of 10,322 rabbits.