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53
A Report was also presented to the Sanitary Committee respecting the importation
of boneless beef from America. This followed in consequence of the inspection of
certain parcels of boneless beef which were transferred from the area of another local
authority to the City for examination. The Report, which was subsequently forwarded
to the Local Government Board, contained a statement by your Medical Officer of
Health, that he was of opinion that the importation of sectioned meat was undesirable
as a general rule, owing to the fact that the inspection of carcass meat is very difficult,
and requires more than ordinary skill, as the organs are unavailable. This difficulty is
considerably increased when carcases are split up into joints. In the particular case
under consideration the joints had been so cut that the lymphatic glands had been
removed, a fact that further increased the difficulty.
A somewhat important seizure of unsound bacon from three different places, but all
belonging to the same consignment, was reported during the year. Proceedings were
taken, which resulted in fines being inflicted of £150 and costs and £30 and costs. It
is unnecessary to enter more fully into details.
In a Report which was presented on the action which should be taken in the City
to minimise the nuisance from flies and dust, the question of the handling of meat at the
Central Markets was raised, and certain recommendations were made. The suggestions are
receiving consideration at the present time, and a fuller Report will be submitted
at a later date.
Mr. Sharp, the Senior Inspector of Meat, informs me that during the
year 1915, 373,331 tons of meat, &c., were deposited for sale in the Central
Markets, Smithfield, being a decrease of 51,773 tons compared with the total
for 1914.
We are indebted to the Superintendent of the Central Markets for the following
table:—

* Includes Dominion of Canada.