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the Weekly Gazette of the County Council. Again, if he wishes to know what the
results were, he must ask or endeavour to glean the information from the pages
of reports issued by the County Council long afterwards.
These are, clearly, serious objections, and it is sincerely to be hoped that when
re-organization takes place, school medical work will be put in the hands of the
local health authority, the Borough Council.
A certain amount of information with regard to infectious diseases in the
schools will be found in the section dealing with these diseases.
FOOD.
A. Milk Supply.
Only a very small part of the milk consumed in the district Is produced within
the Borough and reference is made elsewhere to the cowsheds still occupied. The
bulk of the supply is derived from outside, the distribution being in the hands of a
lew large firms, most of whom belong to a large combine. Despite the operations
of this body, a considerable part of the population is served from a number
of fairly large dairy shops, and in the poorer districts certain general shops
continue to retail milk along with other articles of food.
Writing in 1919 it was stated that: "Having regard to the amount of consideration
that is now being given to the milk question generally, it seems probable
that there will in time be improvements in this as in other connections," and there
is little doubt but that anticipation has proved correct.
Analysis of milk.—It has always been one of the chief aims of the Council to
ensure that the quality of the milk supplied in the Borough shall be maintained,
and during the year much of the time of the department and the food inspector
was devoted to this matter. The total number of samples taken either formally
and in accordance with the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, or
informally as "test" samples was 259. On examination by the Public Analyst 4
(1.5 per cent.) were found to be adulterated. In 1924 the percentage was 2.2, in
1923 and 19522 2.1 and 3.3, respectively. Further reference to the question of milk
examinations is made in the report of the Public Analyst which will be found
elsewhere.
Since 1919 methods of distribution have very greatly improved. Very much
more milk than formerly is delivered in bottle, the quantity sold loose—from
churns, etc.—being, it would seem, less and, on the whole, definitely cleaner.
Since 1919 also the system of grading has been introduced, and to judge from the
number of firms licensed to deal in milk of various grades and the sampling done
on behalf of the Ministry of Health considerable quantities must be sold in the
Borough.
As in former years, as soon as the analyst's report was obtained, vendors
whose samples were found to be up to standard were informed that it would be
unnecessary for them to retain the portion of milk left with them. When the
samples were found to be slightly below the standard, a special report was made
to the Public Health Committee.
A considerable number of samples were taken on Saturday nights and Sunday
mornings, and in all 64 were obtained on delivery at Marylebone Station of the
London & North-Eastern Railway and 3 on arrival at Baker Street Station of the
Metropolitan Railway. Of the 64 one proved to be adulterated, and proceedings
were instituted and costs amounting to £5 5s. were imposed.