View report page

54
(3) Railway Companies.—The conditions under which meat is conveyed by the Railway
Companies varies, and any unsatisfactory transport can generally be traced to the negligence
or carelessness of the employees. In such occurrence, by arrangement with the Railway
Companies, the matter is reported to the representative of the particular Company concerned
on duty at the Market, and is dealt with by him immediately.
Handling.—(a) Licensed Porters.—This shows great improvement, the porter having
realised the conditions which comply with the Regulations. The use and state of overalls
and caps are more satisfactory ; sacking for shoulder wraps is discouraged.
There are 1,545 licensed porters at Smithfield Market.
(b) Retail Butchers and their Employees.—It is under this heading that the majority
of contraventions of the Regulations occur, the butcher and his employees not being sympathetically
inclined towards the Regulations.
Some offences arise from wilful neglect on the part of the employee, but often from
forgetfulness and carelessness. Sometimes upon enquiry being made as to the reason why
an employee is not wearing his washable cap whilst carrying meat, the employee produces
his cap, neatly folded, from his overall pocket.
This is a matter which can only be dealt with by means of constant supervision and
reminder, and in exceptional cases drastic measures.
General Observations.—The question of the wet cleansing of the footways during the
loading of meat into vehicles, which was the cause of dissatisfaction among the carriers,
etc., attending the market, has now been remedied and has greatly assisted in the carrying
out of the Regulations, owing to the spirit of goodwill founded by this action of the Cleansing
Department.
Complaints have been received with regard to various matters, including :—
(a) Quantities of meat on barrows standing uncovered and exposed to contamination
for prolonged periods.
(b) Furred rabbits and feathered poultry in contact with meat.
(c) Men walking over meat deposited in vans.
These complaints and contraventions were made the subject of a circular letter which
was issued to carriers and butchers, which has had the desired effect of checking these
practices.
A new offence has been observed and complained of in the immediate vicinity of Smithfield
Market, over which there is at present no legal control, the preparation of chickens for
sale by house-to-house hawkers, in places and under conditions likely to contaminate the
articles prepared. So far this matter has been the subject of verbal objection, poultry being
outside the Regulations.
Aldgate Market.—This market, situated in a main thoroughfare, requires close
supervision ; the class of vehicle used in transport is improving, and a few model vans are
appearing there.
Handling by persons not attired in washable overalls and caps is still met with, and is
dealt with as suits the conditions in each case.
Recently private cars have been in use in this Market for transporting meat, and have
been strongly discouraged.
Wholesale and Retail Butchers' Shops.—There are 64 establishments in the City
of London used for the sale of dead meat, as follows :—
Wholesale premises 21
Retail premises 41
Offal merchants 2
The general conditions existing in the above premises are of a high standard. The
majority of the City shops are fitted with fixed glass fronts, and several also equipped with
modern automatic refrigeration plants. The number of ice boxes in use is now small.
The premises are subject to periodical visits of inspection, and in general any improvements
or alterations required are readily carried out by the owner.
The use of floor sawdust is diminishing, a matter which is regarded as a good indication.
The majority of City butchers have now discontinued newspaper as wrapping for meat,
although the use of either white or grease-proof paper entails some small expense in the
business, it must thrust itself on the notice and appreciation of the purchaser.