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52
The practice of examining food and poultry obtained by Christmas clubs for
distribution amongst their members, commenced in 1913, was continued in 1914 with
good results. In all 9 premises were visited and 1,000 birds and joints submitted to
examination and passed as sound. It is interesting to note in this connection that,
doubtless as a result of the war and the absence of so many men on military duty,
the total number of joints, etc., was only one-third of that examined in the previous
year.
The only seizure of food made during the year was of a quantity of unsound eggs.
These were found deposited for sale in a house in the eastern part of the Borough,
and before the department had an opportunity of dealing with the case and putting
a stop to the practice considerable numbers of bad eggs must have been sold to and
consumed by many of the poorer people in the neighbourhood.
In most instances the eggs were taken away in mugs or cups, the vendor
breaking them before handing them over, and giving the purchaser the opportunity
of refusing any that appeared to be too obviously bad.
All those seized were very bad, and acting on the instructions of the Public
Health Committee, the vendor was proceeded against. A fine of £2 and 2/- costs
was imposed.
No seizures of unsound meat were made, which, as stated in the report for 1913,
in which year no unsound food whatever was seized, is evidence of the value of the
close supervision that has been and is now exercised over food and food premises.
SLAUGHTER HOUSES.
The chief point to be noted with regard to these is that during 1914 the list of
licensed slaughter houses was reduced by 3, the total number now being 4. Of those
no longer on the list one was pulled down and in the others no application for
renewal of license was sent in.
All those on the subjoined list were regularly and frequently visited. No
condition calling for service of notice was found.
Premises. Conditions.
75, Abbey Road Nil.
50, Henry Street, St. John's Wood Small cattle only.
134, High Street, St. John's Wood On the clear and distinct understanding
that the room over the slaughter house
is not used as a living room.
32A, Union Street, Middlesex Hospital Nil.
MILK SUPPLY.
Cow houses.—The following list shows the number of cow houses in the
Borough, the number of cows for which they are licensed, and the actual number
kept. The figures are practically the same as shown for 1913.