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whom the shellfish belongs is liable to fine or imprisonment, but it would be
extremely difficult to prove guilty knowledge in cases of this kind.
In December, 1903, Dr. A. Marcus Fraser, Medical Officer of Health for
Portsmouth, in reporting an outbreak of Typhoid Fever caused by oysters,
stated:—
"It is a sorrowful confession, that in the present state of the law the
"Sanitary Authority is almost helpless. The only steps we could take
"was to warn the public not to eat the oysters."
The oysters in this case came from a source (Emsworth) that had been
known to be contaminated since 1894.
Pending particular legislation for dealing with shellfish, there still remains
in the hands of the Fishmongers' Company a powerful agent for the protection
of the public, in London at least, on which, for the moment, they must rely,
viz., their charter granted by James I., in 1604, under which they have power
to seize unwholesome fish. Unfortunately, however, beyond causing the
destruction of unsound fish, the Company has no punitive powers.
In August last the following notice was issued by the Fishmongers'
Company:—
"OPENING OF THE OYSTER SEASON, 1903.
"The Fishmongers' Company have for some time past had under
"their serious consideration the condition of the Oyster industry and the
"danger to Public Health arising from beds and layings existing in
"waters liable to pollution.
"Owing to the reports of the insanitary condition under which, in
"some instances, oysters have been cultivated, they have fallen into
"disfavour with the public, and the consumption very seriously
"decreased.
"This has thrown out of employment a large number of men and
"vessels, and caused much distress as well as the loss of what should be
"a useful and wholesome food supply.
"The Fishmongers' Company have therefore inspected, and caused
"samples of oysters to be taken from, many fisheries on different parts
"of the Coast, whence oysters are sent to the London Market, and sub"mitted
them for examination to their official Analyst, one of the leading
"bacteriologists of this country.
"As a result, certain beds, pits and layings were reported so far
"contaminated as likely to be a source of danger to the Public Health.
"These have now been closed; and no oysters from these places will
"knowingly be allowed to be sold or placed on the Market for sale until