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75
exposed to the fumes of burning sulphur in order to give the shells a
better colour—a mode of treatment not unknown in this country for
other kinds of nuts, but there is nothing to show that with these the
contents are at all affected by the gas.
Tuberculous Pork.—In cattle it is possible that tubercle may be
localised, and that, as a rule, only the part affected may be destroyed ;
but in swine the tubercle extends more rapidly throughout the body.
In certain cases where only the head was found, and only one gland
was visibly affected, it was thought desirable to have a bacteriological
examination made of the other glands, which presented a sound
appearance to the naked eye. This was done by Prof. E.
Tanner Hewlett, of King's College, who reported that as the result
of his examination he had no doubt that these glands were also
tuberculous. This supports the view taken by the Royal Commission
in their report (1898), and disposes of a contention which is not infrequently
urged before the Magistrate, that the affection is slight and of
no serious import.
In one case in 1904 and in one in 1905, Meat Inspectors from the
Central Meat Market were brought forward as witnesses for the
defence, but admitted that, as a rule, they examined only such carcases
as the butchers might specially ask them to do. No examination had
been made by the dealer, the defendants' buyer, the defendants or their
servants. The Magistrate, Mr. Kennedy, commented very strongly on
the want of care which had been exhibited; " every one," he said,
"seemed to rely on some one else, and what examination there had
been at the Central Meat Market or elsewhere had proved perfectly
worthless."
A large number of pigs are imported from Holland, and about 70
per cent, are submitted for examination to the Dutch Government
Inspectors; if satisfactory, a label is affixed to the carcase.*
Butchers' Shops—There are in the City 98 butchers' shops (at 39 of
which pork is sold), 7 pork butchers, and 20 provision dealers who sell
pork. There are also a good many stalls in the street markets at which
meat is sold; these are generally in connection with a shop. There
are 2 large pork pie and sausage factories, and 2 other places where
preserved meat in various forms are prepared. These places are
regularly visited by Inspectors McNair and Williams.
Slaughter-houses.—There is one (14, Regency Street), which is used
occasionally. It was visited 11 times.
*A Report by Dr. G. S. Buchanan to the Local Government Board on the administration
in London with regard to meat of pigs affected by tuberculosis has just been
issued (No. 225).