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105
It is in these situations that the characteristic lesions are most frequently found,
and the exact measures to be followed by the Commonwealth Inspectors were set out
in a series of instructions illustrated by prints of photographs which were issued to the
State Inspectors engaged on this work. The final instructions were dated January 5th,
1912. Previous instructions had been issued in 1911.
On the whole, the object aimed at was attained, but in November, 1913, it was
reported to me that certain consignments of Australian meat were showing an excess of
infestation in the hind-quarters, and that the fore-quarters had not been cut in
accordance with instructions.
The consignments in respect of which complaints were made, were from the
Burdekin works at Queensland, and the certificates properly contained the name of the
Inspecting Official.
The difficulty was met by arranging a detailed inspection of each hind-quarter, and
recutting the fore-quarters in accordance with the regulations. This additional work
was considerable, and the attention of the Commonwealth Authorities was dnected to
the defect of inspection. Immediate action was taken, but the state of affairs was not
finally remedied until about February, 1911. The delay was due to the fact that
certain consignments were already on their way to this country. No cause for
complaint exists at the present time.
In a few instances, defects were observed in carcases which were exposed for sale in
the market, but in the majority of instances they were discovered at the ordinary
inspections which take place at the City Cold Stores.
ARGENTINE MEAT.
The only point which has arisen in respect of Argentine meat beyond that of
Actinomycosis, is in an administrative matter having reference to the labelling of
carcases.
The label is not attached to each quarter, and consequently it has been found
impossible in certain instances to associate the Argentine Inspector with the quarter of
meat which in some respect has been found to be defective.
It should be here mentioned that in the case of all imported meat, when defects are
discovered, full particulars are forwarded to the Official Representative of the Country
from which the meat was exported, so that inquiries may be instituted in respect of the
carcase complained of.
I have recently communicated with the Consul-General of the Argentine respecting
the importance of more complete identification, and the matter is receiving the
consideration of the Government.
A question was asked in the House of Commons respecting the prevalence of
tuberculosis in Argentine carcases, and both question and reply are of sufficient interest
to justify mention in this report. They are as follows:—
Question.—Mr. Astor: To ask the President of the Local Government Board,
if he will state in how many cases in 1912 and in 1913 was meat imported from the
Argentine found to be tuberculous. (10th March, 1914.)