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270
1909]
Cowsheds.—The number of cowsheds still licensed in the Borough is 7, although no
cows were kept in two of those during the whole of the year, one of which was allowed to
become unfit for the keeping of cows, owing to neglect of the regulations and the place being
used as a storeroom for lumber and rubbish; but at the time of your annual visit prior to
the renewal of licenses, you caused the licensee to be notified that opposition to the renewal
of his license would be lodged unless steps were at once taken to conform with the regulations,
consequently, the premises were speedily put in order, although they still continue
to be in disuse.
There has been a further decline in the number of cows kept, for whilst there is
licensed accommodation for 172 cows, the average number kept appears to have been slightly
over 41, according to observations made during a total of 68 visits.
Generally speaking, they are well conducted, and only in one instance was disease of
the udder noted, in which case the attention of the Public Health Department of the London
County Council was immediately directed thereto, and referred to their Veterinary Inspector.
Offensive Trade Establishments, Comprising 9 Tripe Dressers, 2 Gut Scrapers, and
the Knacker's Yard, have received a total of 87 visits, and have been conducted satisfactorily.
The tallow-melting usually carried on at Pleasant Grove, York Road, was discontinued throughout
the year, excepting that during the last quarter of the year some clearing up operations
were conducted (in which some re-melting of certain tallow left on the premises by the late
occupiers took place), by the owner or his agents. During the year the business at the
knacker's yard was transferred to a new set of premises on the closed chamber principle, with
entrance from Pleasant Grove.
Yours obediently,
H. WILKINSON;,
Meat Inspector, &c.
Milkshops and Dairies.—There were on the register at the end of the
year 587 milkshops, to which 2,231 visits were paid by the district inspectors'
in addition to which they were all inspected by the Chief Sanitary Inspector,
Mr. J. R. Leggatt, during the last three months of the year, who, in a report
to the Medical Officer of Health, drew special attention to the fact that in
no less than 182 milkshops paraffin oil is sold. He specially referred to this
article, because he was of opinion that of the many commodities which are sold
where milk is purveyed, it is the most objectionable, and of all others most
certainly tends to contaminate milk. He also called particular attention to the
fact that the utensils in use were found in a much more satisfactory state than
in former years, and that the milk in the counter pans was protected from contamination
by flies and dust.
This shows a very great advance on the state of affairs discovered in
previous years, and is due mainly to the advice given by the Chief Inspector
to the milk purveyors during his visits of inspection. It is also satisfactory
to note that he reports that the cleansing of milk cans with steam or scalding
water is now so well observed that little or no anxiety need be felt in this
direction.