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81
Milk Supply,—One hundred and fifty-two patients obtained
their milk regularly from a milk shop or dairy; 179 consumed condensed
milk and took no fresh milk. Forty-four bought from'
casual street vendors. A list was made of the six wholesale
dealers from whom the largest number of patients obtained their
milk, and enquiries instituted as to the precautions adopted by
these firms to keep their milks free from tubercle. The results are
appended:—All the firms concerned make contracts with farmers,
but none of them insist that the milk shall be from cows reported
free from tuberculosis as the result of a tuberculin test.
Company A deals with over 1,000 farmers, to all of whom it
issues special printed regulations on the cleanly management of
cows and cowhouses, on milking and the cooling of milk, on the
washing and care of dairy utensils, and on the measures to be
adopted in cases of illness occurring amongst the stock or farm
hands.
Frequent samples of milk are stated to be sent for bacteriological
examination. The farms are periodically inspected by sanitary
experts from London under a standing agreement. Cowmen,
suffering with any illness are kept from the cows, and their wages
are paid during this period by the Company.
Company B buys from 300 farmers. It issues no regulations
to farmers. It was stated that a few samples of milk had
been bacteriologically examined for the company, but when this
question was pressed no particulars could be given as to dates or
the results of such examinations.
The company reserved the right to have the farms and stock
inspected by a veterinary surgeon appointed by themselves. In
this connection, a few farms near their own chief establishment
had been inspected in this way.
Company C deals with 180 farmers. It sends no samples
for bacteriological examination. It has a clause in the contract