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model shed, where I saw bow cows should and could be kept.
But if things are so imperfect in London under the thorough
County Council inspection it is easily understood that they are
much worse in country districts where there is often little or no
inspection. And most of the milk sold in Plumstead comes
from a distance.
With a view to educating cowkeepers as to how cows should
be kept, the Health Committee instructed me to prepare a leaflet
on the subject. This was printed and distributed to all
cowkeepers known to supply milk in Plumstead. It is appended
to this report.
71. The subject of the milk supply has attracted much
attention recently as being a recognised means of the communication
of tubercle to infants. There is great need for
further powers to prevent the sale of milk from tuberculous cows.
In many districts specimens of milk are systematically
examined bacteriologically for the detection of the tubercle
bacillus. I think it is desirable that this should be done in
Plumstead.
72. Slaughterhouses.—These were inspected by the Chief
Inspector and found satisfactory with one exception. But the
slaughterhouse may be most sanitary and yet the meat killed
there unfit for food. Until it is compulsory that all animals
shall be killed in public slaughterhouses and then systematically
inspected before they are cut up, it will be impossible to prevent
the sale of meat that is tuberculous or otherwise diseased.
73. Workshops.— I inspected 20 workshops, principally
dressmakers. I found the conditions mostly satisfactory, but in
a few instances there was some overcrowding, which was
remedied on its being pointed out.