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115
Parliament making compulsory the inspection and labelling of all meat
exported from that country, but it is not yet in operation.
The necessity for very stringent regulations as to the movement of pigs
which may convey the virus of swine fever, combined with the rigid
inspection for Tuberculosis, has had the effect of still further reducing the pig
stock of this country by 100,000 —a deplorable fact, as the pig plays so
important a part in the live stock of the smallest farmers; moreover, the case
seems so far one without a remedy, as manifestly the stringency must not be
relaxed. We can only strive on, hoping that the scientists who are now
engaged in making experiments and studying the details of these diseases
may eventually discover some means of stopping their ravages. A separate
account has been kept of seizures on account of Tuberculosis during the
year ; these are as follows : —
2,506 pigs weighing 103,851 lbs.
2 sides
8 quarters Beef „ 2,134 lbs.
4 pieces
3 calves „ 265 lbs.
3 pigs' heads sent without)
the carcases
2 sides bacon „ 60 lbs.
Total 47 tons 9 cwts. 2 qrs. 9 lbs.
One good feature for the British farmer is the condition of the mutton
trade, which, for the best sheep, has been good throughout the year, and bids
fair in the one on which we are entering to be as good, if not better.
The seizures of meat from all causes have amounted to 1,916 tons 13 cwts.
0 qrs. 16 lbs., a decrease of 212 tons from last year; this is attributable in a
large degree to the greater care in the preparation and transit of Argentine
meat. Some idea of the magnitude of the work may be formed from the fact
that it was comprised in 42,113 seizures, of which the attention of the
Inspector was called in 13,094 cases, or about 31 per cent.
A Report by your Medical Officer as to the sufficiency of the Inspectorial
Staff to discharge the duties cast upon it was presented in August last, with
the result that it has been decided to relieve the Wharf Inspector of that
portion of his work which was done at the Central Market and the riverside
Cold Stores, and to appoint three Assistant Inspectors; these, with a
rearrangement of the work, will add greatly to the efficiency of the staff for
the present, but the work is still growing. The foundation stone of another
Market section has been laid, and it is clear that if there is any one subject in
which more than in any other it is imperative that we should keep abreast,
or, if possible, ahead of the times, it is that which concerns the public health.