View report page

55
Bakehouses.
During the year two buildings in which registered bakehouses were situated were
demolished, and the number of such premises on the register was therefore reduced
from 78 to 76. Of the 76, 68 are below ground, the two demolished having been
certificated underground bakehouses.
During the year attention was directed to one premises underground, in which
charcoal biscuits are baked, and in respect of which, apparently because of a
misunderstanding on the part of a former inspector, no certificate was applied for or
granted.
After a full inquiry into the matter, it was suggested that an application for a
certificate should be made. This, the Public Health Committee consented to grant on
condition that certain alterations were carried out. These the owner of the premises
agreed to make, but had not completed the work by the end of the year.
Sixty-eight notices calling for the limewashing, etc. of the inside walls and other
parts of bakehouses, as required by the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, were sent
out, and 108 visits were paid to the various premises by the Meat and Food Inspector.
The regulations were complied with in every instance, proceedings being
unnecessary.
Notices calling for drainage and other work were served in 10 instances and were
complied with, one only requiring a statutory notice.
SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACTS.
The activity in connection with the administration of these Acts has been
maintained throughout the year. The routine practice of giving directions each
Saturday as to the sampling to be carried out by the Food Inspector in the ensuing
week was continued, and the number of samples taken totalled 1,111, a slight increase
in the numbers for the previous year.
In the report of the Public Analyst, which is incorporated with that of the
Medical Officer of Health, full details are given with regard to the analyses made, but
it may be noted here that the number of samples found to be adulterated was 69,
or 6.2 per cent., which is an improvement on the figures for 1910, when the
percentage was 7.3. The increased activity in connection with the administration
of the Acts is almost certainly responsible for this improvement.
As recommended by the Local Government Board, a considerable number of
informal or "test" samples were taken and much useful information with regard to
cases in which it would be advisable to proceed with the formalities required by the
Acts was obtained.