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Samples of milk taken at milkshops and on milk rounds. As might be expected the result
of the examination of these 24 samples (table VII) are definitely worse than in the case of the
farmers' milk newly arrived in town. They indicate a further stage in the ill-effects of bad
methods of transportation and storage, lack of cleanliness and the keeping of the milk at too
high a temperature. The comparison in table V shows a similar progressive deterioration
in the milk as it passes from hand to hand.
Samples from a local cowshed. These were distinctly better in some respects than the
imported milk, but there is here also evidence of considerable unnecessary bacterial
contamination.
Examination of pasteurised milk. It appears from Dr. Teale's report that at three of the
four pasteurising plants brought under examination the process is not satisfactorily carried
out. Pasteurisation is, of course, not compulsory at present, but it is most undesirable that it
should be done ineffectively.
Conclusions There is no doubt that the present system whereby the milk is passed
(generally uncooled) from vessel to vessel, and handled under unsuitable conditions, is
thoroughly bad. It is most desirable that the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915, at
present in suspense, which gives the Ministry of Health power to deal with the problem in a
stringent manner, should be brought into active operation without delay.
Dairies, Cowsheds and Milkshops.
Cowsheds.—At the end of 1920 there were two licensed cowsheds in the Borough. They
are registered for 41} cows, but were occupied by 13.
Milkshops and Dairies. — 39 applications for registration under the Dairies, Cowsheds
and Milkshops Orders, in respect of milkshops were considered during 1920, of which 38
were acceded to and one refused. Two applications in respect of itinerant vendors were also
considered and acceded to.
The figures in regard to the registration of milkshops are set out below: —
No. of purveyors of milk at retail milkshops on register at end of 1919 213
Deduct No. of purveyors removed from register during 1920 40
Add No. of purveyors added to register by resolution of Council
during 1920 38
No. of purveyors of milk at retail milkshops on register at end of 1920 211
At the end of 1920 there were on the register in addition to these 211 retail milkshops
and 4 cowsheds (which are attached to retail milkshops included in the 211), one person in
respect of premises where only a wholesale milk trade is done, and 5 itinerant vendors
without retail milkshops.
Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1912 & 1917.
The following is a report of the work done under the regulations during the year
ended 1st January, 1921:—
383 samples of milk and none of cream were taken and analysed, and in no case were
preservatives reported to be found.
No other contravention of the regulations was discovered.