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ment in the purity of milk, an event for which a casual examination
of the bottom of many vessels containing it will emphasize the
necessity.
Milk, Mother and Children.
The Committee which commenced operations in the early
part of 1920 continued its good work during last year, and the
circumstances of each applicant were the subject of strict yet
sympathetic consideration. It is argued out that all the milk
granted did not find its way to the persons to whom it was allowed,
and this point must be conceded, for one can hardly imagine a
mother consuming all that supplied with hungry children watching
every mouthful. Still, so far as it was in the Committee's power,
it may be fairly claimed that no genuine case went unrelieved.
That some unworthy persons profited is possible, but to avoid this
entirely is beyond the limit of human endeavour.
Towards the end of the year the calls on Dr. Barnes' time were
so much increased by the necessary visiting at maternity centres,
and also by Police Court attendances to give evidence, that it was
necessary to cut down the Committee to a weekly meeting. The
number of applications during the year was 10,804 and those in
which some relief was granted was 10,152. The monetary value
of the work of the Committee can be, therefore, appraised and
appreciated.
Whether the distribution of milk has led to a greater dependence
on the authorities as a means of support and less on their
own individual effort is a question beyond the province of a Medical
Officer of Health to discuss ; but I do think, from the point of
physical welfare of the children concerned, the Order has been of
great benefit. The approximate gross cost of this milk supply was
£7,342 18s. 5d., leaving the net amount to be defrayed by the
Borough as £3,671 9s. 2|d.
Meat.
No public abattoir has been established, but there is only a very
small proportion of slaughtering in Camberwell, nearly all the meat
consumed therein being bought wholesale in the Central Markets.
There is not much danger of diseased meat being obtained from this
source, and, judging from the experiences of other Boroughs,
dealings in bad stuff are carried out by importation from country
districts.
Unwholesome Food.
There were 11 more seizures of unwholesome food than in 1920,
some of them being on an extensive scale. These numbers however
give no indication of the enormous amount of work they often
entail. Visits at all hours and to all parts of London are often
necessary, in addition to the hunting up and questioning of persons
whose interest is often to conceal the truth rather than to further
the administration of justice. This naturally takes the inspector
from his district, with the resulting loss of inspections, besides the
inconvenience to those who may be carrying out work under his