View report page

70
the need for purchasing milk in bottles only—either the ordinary milk,
or, if they could afford it, one or other of the higher grades of milk.
An analysis was made of the proportion of bottled milk as against that
sold "loose" in cans, and it was noted that public opinion was moving
strongly in the direction of a "milk" conscience.
At the end of 1927 the number of milk sellers on the Register
was 179 of which number 38 were dairymen and 141 milk sellers.
Thirty-three applications for registration were made, of which number
13 were transfers of ownership of milk sellers' business.
There was one transfer and consequent re-registration of the business
of a dairyman. Three applications for registration of new businesses
as milk sellers were passed. Thirteen applications for registration for
the sale of sterilised bottled milk only were successful. The Council
refused three applications on the grounds of unsuitability of the premises
or on account of other commodities, such as pickles, paraffin, etc.,
being sold.
Each of such applicants was invited, under Section 2 (1) of the Milk
and Dairies (Amendment) Act, 1922, to attend before the Public Health
Committee and shew cause why the Committee should not refuse to
register him, etc. The attitude of the Council is that no person
need apply for such registration unless his premises, methods, etc.,
can successfully withstand the severest scrutiny and cross-examination.
Licences were granted in January, 1927, to Messrs. Edwards &
Sons, Ltd. (United Dairies), to sell (a) Pasteurised Milk, (b) Certified
Milk, (c) Grade A (Tuberculin Tested) Milk, id) Grade A Pasteurised
Milk, (e) Grade A Milk, at their premises at 84 Endwell Road, 95 High
Street and 295 New Cross Road. Licences were also granted to
Messrs. R. Higgs & Sons Dairies, Ltd. (United Dairies) to sell at their
premises at 389a Queens Road (a) Pasteurised Milk, (b) Grade A
(Tuberculin Tested) Milk, (c) Grade A Milk, and (d) Certified Milk.
No bottling for these firms is done in the Borough. Sterilized, bottled
milk is sold by seven firms; in one case the premises are situated within
the Borough.
The methods of handling and distribution of milk in the Borough
shew a marked and steady improvement. The can is rapidly disappearing,
giving way to the glass bottle; some retailers have entirely
dispensed with the can, whilst others are not renewing the cans as they
become unlit for further use, but are replacing with bottles. The