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The basis of the Methylene Blue Test is that living micro-organisms use up dissolved oxygen and
the rate of removal of oxygen is roughly proportional to the number of organisms present. As the
concentration of oxygen is reduced the Methylene Blue loses its colour. The method of applying this
Test has also been prescribed in the above-mentioned Order. There were eight unsatisfactory results
to this test. The dairymen concerned were interviewed and particular attention paid to the premises
through which the milk had passed and the method of transport and handling.
The results of these tests have been forwarded in monthly returns to the Ministry of Food, Milk
Division (Quality Branch).
ICE CREAM.
Sampling of Ice Cream was commenced on May 9th and continued during the Summer months.
18 samples were submitted for bacteriological examination and 16 for analysis by the Public Analyst.
Of the 18 samples submitted for bacteriological examination four were satisfactory, three were
fairly satisfactory, four were of poor quality, six had low standards of cleanliness, and one was quite
unfit.
Two of the samples were taken from itinerant vendors and these were almost the worst, both
bacteriologically and chemically.
There are no standards for Ice Cream but the Ministry of Health had in draft the Ice Cream (Heat
Treatment, etc.) Regulations to require the pasteurisation of ice cream mixtures and their subsequent
retention, until sale by retail, at a temperature not exceeding 28° Fahrenheit.
Acting within the legal requirements provided by the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, premises where
ice cream has been manufactured, sold or stored for sale have been inspected. Requirements have
included cleansing and the provisions of a supply of hot water, soap and towels and some means of
sterilising appliances.
In one case the manufacture, and in another the sale, of ice cream were discontinued.
When the original source of ice cream, which on sampling has proved unsatisfactory, is outside
the City, the Medical Officer of Health of the district of origin is informed.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
The general sanitary supervision has been maintained and in this connection 3,076 inspections
have been made. As a consequence of these inspections, it was necessary to serve 53 Intimation
Notices. One Statutory Order was served. No legal proceedings were necessary.
Tenement Houses were inspected and the only common lodging house in the City was kept under
regular supervision.
HOUSING.
The total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing defects was 31. 15 were found not
to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation. Two of these were rendered fit as a result
of informal action by the Inspectors and one has ceased to be used as a dwelling-house.

No case of infectious disease was reported in connection with outworkers premises in the City.