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II
As regards matters of administration, the supply of water in tenement houses and meat
inspection (more particularly that relating to tuberculous pork) are the more important
subjects dealt with. The decision of the Magistrate on the former point seems a little
illogical, even if good law. In effect that decision means that if there be an ample supply in
the street mains, it is immaterial how little water can be got in the house. I he inspection
of meat is in a somewhat unsatisfactory position, as it is in many cases quite impossible to
fix the responsibility for introducing diseased meat into the retail markets. The only
satisfactory remedy is the prohibition of slaughtering for food for man in any place except
the municipal slaughterhouse, to which an adequate number of skilled inspectors are
attached. The task of ensuring a pure food supply which shall be what it professes to be
(e.g., that "milk" shall be "whole milk," not a fancy product) is much hampered by the
warranty provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts and decisions under them. The
result is again that responsibility for tampering with the natural article cannot be brought
home to any of the parties through whose hands the commodity passes.
In addition to the changes in the present administration foreshadowed in the last
paragraph, I feel convinced of the need of more frequent removal of house refuse and of
change in systems of collection of other forms of refuse.
In conclusion, I desire to record the fact that work of the Staff of the Department
has been carried on during the year in a manner which gives me great satisfaction. I ought
also to acknowledge the co-operation afforded to me by the medical profession, although,
infectious disease being at a low ebb, there has been less need to seek their help. Lastly,
I must express my sincere thanks to the Chairman and Members of the Public Health
Committee for their unfailing and sympathetic consideration and for the encouragement they
extend to the Department in the discharge of duties which are onerous and not always
popular.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
m.a., m.b., d.p.h., f.s.s.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Paduington, W.
June, 1906.