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261
[1908
Cowsheds.— There are still 7 cowsheds on the register, although in three of them no
cows have been kept during the year. The total accommodation licensed is for 172 cows,
whereas the average number kept during the year did not reach 50, and there is not much
probability of the number being increased. This in some respects is a matter for regret,
as my experience shows that far greater precautions are taken against the contamination of
the milk produced in the London cowsheds than obtains in most country districts, both in the
better housing of the cattle, better grooming, and better sanitary precautions in the milking
and handling of the milk prior to distribution.
During the year 81 visits were paid to the cowsheds, and generally speaking, the
observations were satisfactory. In one instance, however, complaint had to be made of the dirty
condition of some cows, and the licensee took the necessary steps to ensure an improvement,
and again I have to make the same excuse for the London cowkeeper (which bears out my
foregoing statement regarding the insanitary conditions under which the cows are often kept
in rural districts) that has previously been made in these reports, that in nearly every case
where there are grounds for complaint in this direction it is in respect to cows which have
been recently obtained from some country district.
Only in one instance was disease of the udder noted by your inspector, and in this
case I found that lactation had ceased, and was also informed that it had already come
under the observation of the Veterinary Inspector to the London County Council. Other minor
defects, to floors, etc., on being pointed out, received due attention.
The Offensive Trade Establishments— comprising 3 tripe dressers, 2 gut scrapers. 1 knacker's
yard, and 1 tallow melter, have received a total of 103 visits, and have been satisfactorily
conducted. The talllow melting business, of which complaints have previously been rather
frequent, has been discontinued since June last, and the premises are still unoccupied. The
knacker's yard is at present being reconstructed at the rear of the old premises on a most
elaborate and up-to-date closed chamber principle, which will be ready for occupation shortly.

I am, Sir,
Yours obediently,
H. WILKINSON,
Meat Inspector, etc.
Milkshops and Dairies.— There were on the register 29 dairies and
528 milkshops, to which 3,303 visits were paid by the district inspectors. In
addition they were all inspected by the Chief Inspector, Mr. J. R. Leggatt,
towards the end of the year, who reported on them as follows:—