View report page

117
“As to (a)—The oysters showed no evidence of serious general pollution. The
“number of B. coli calculated per one whole oyster was less than 8 (eight). There
“were no Enteritidis spores per one whole oyster.
“As to (b).—Two large Drigalski plates, each infected with 1/10th part of a whole
“oyster, showed no colonies which in aspect, constitution and sub-cultures corre“sponded
to either the B. typhosus or to the Gaertner-Paratyphoid group."
These results indicate the oysters came from a source of doubtful purity,
and the Fishmongers' Company, at my request, undertook to keep me advised
from time to time as to where this dealer obtained his supplies in future.
As regards the general question of shellfish pollution, it is greatly to be
regretted that in spite of the opinion expressed by the Commissioners in their
Fourth Report on sewage treatment and disposal, issued in December, 1903,
that there is a growing demand for legislation dealing with the matter, and
that “the evil is sufficiently grave to demand a remedy” no action has been
taken by the Government for giving effect to the recommendations of the
Commissioners.
The following remedial measures were advocated in the Report
referred to:—
1. Purification of sewage before its discharge in tidal waters.
2. The seizure and destruction of unwholesome shellfish exposed for sale.
3. The setting up of a competent authority to deal with all tidal waters,
with power to control foreshores, to close dangerous beds, pits, ponds and layings,
and in certain circumstances to require treatment of sewage.
In my opinion, No. 3 is of the greatest importance, and until such
competent authority, armed with ample powers to give effect to their views, is
established, the present unsatisfactory state of affairs will continue.