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71
improvement cannot be questioned when one compares the glass
bottles, filled and capped at the retailers' premises, to the can, filled in
the street under varying climatic conditions. It would be a great step
forward if we could abolish the practice of filling jugs in the street and
in shops, and only allow milk to be sold in bottles, thus protecting it
from the menace of dirt and dust. Retailers have commented upon
the extra work involved in the cleansing and drying of the bottles, and
this is a very important point, for a badly cleaned bottle or a bottle
insufficiently dried is a potential source of danger. Some retailers
realize that new and more hygienic methods of milk distribution are
firmly established, and that the more hygienic their methods for storing
and handling, the longer and better the milk will keep. Bottle-filling
machines are being used on several retailers' premises; these are
excellent appliances, but they must be kept scrupulously clean.
Enquiries are also being made as to the cost and suitability of bottle
washing machines, steam sterilising and drying apparatus. Several
firms who manufacture dairy appliances, etc., are placing on the market
washing-and sterilising plant suitable for large and small retailers. I
am convinced that the installation of a suitable plant would not only
result in the saving of time and labour to the retailer, but would ensure
the consumer getting a more sterile milk: without doubt, there will be
a great advance in this direction in the future. The small shop, where
milk is sold along with all kinds of domestic requisites, is still with us,
but these are inspected frequently to ensure that all possible precautions
are taken to prevent contamination. It seems to me that time alone
will settle the fate of these small 'mixed' shops. The public is learning
more and more every month what it wants in the way of milk. The
retailer who will not or who cannot modernise his methods will be left
behind.
During 1926 the Council approached the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee with a view to requiring the registration of
shops in which sterilised milk is sold in bottles. This has now been
accomplished.
Sedimentation Test. During the year 54 samples of milk were
taken and examined for cleanliness by means pf the Sutherland
Thompson & Co.'s apparatus.