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I should like to point out the continued increase of the work in
this department since the duty was imposed upon the local authorities
in its present form by the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901. The
varied and fluctuating character of the work, owing to removal,
change of address, and decease of outworkers from time to time, and
the correction of registers, etc., absorbs a great proportion of the
Inspector's time, and thus the actual inspections of premises are not
so numerous as is desirable. The work is all-important, as the moving
of the work from employer to worker and vice versa, is a frequent
means of the propagation of infection, and every opportunity should
be taken for checking this by frequent inspection of the outworkers'
premises, more than can be done at present, and most especially during
epidemics of measles or small pox.
No legal proceedings were necessary during the year.
DAIRIES, MILKSHOPS AND PURVEYORS OF MILK.
These premises were constantly inspected during the year.
The number on the register at the end of the year was 206.
During the year 52 were added and 45 were cancelled by closing
of premises or transfers.
The number of inspections were 474 and 6 notices served.
One prosecution was taken under the provisions of the Dairies,
Cowsheds and Milkshops Orders for carrying on the business of a
"purveyor of milk" without registration, and the offender was fined
10s. and costs.
The usual cleansing and limewashing of premises was carried
out, and any other repairs found necessary were duly enforced, and
where necessary, corroded cans and measures were prohibted.
Infectious Cases.-Only three cases of infectious disease
occurred during the year in connection with Dairy, Cowshed and
Milkshop premises. In each case action was taken in accordance
with the orders, the sale of milk, or contact with the premises, being
prohibited until after disinfection and certification of the premises by
the Medical Officer of Health.
The cases were:—Scarlet Fever 2 cases.
Measles 1 „
3 „