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slight evidence of tubercle these parts should be
destroyed, and also the neighbouring parts of the carcase,
even if they appear healthy. Doubtless, it would be
better to destroy the whole carcase, but owing to the
widespread prevalence of tubercle, the question of compensation
is a serious one; but there can be no question
of the wisdom of destroying any portion of a carcase
which presents to the naked eye traces, no matter how
slight, of tuberculosis.
Upon making an inspection of one of the principal
cowsheds, I found a cow which appeared to me to be in
a very advanced state of tuberculosis. The next day I
drew your attention to my discovery, and you visited
the premises and confirmed my opinion. I communicated
with Dr. Young, the county medical officer
of health, and arranged a meeting to inspect the animal,
but upon our again visiting the cowshed the animal
had been removed. The cowkeeper was questioned as
to the whereabouts of the animal, but he denied that
any animal had been removed, and pointed out another
cow, which he said was the cow in question. You
informed him that further investigations would be
made, but within six hours he called upon you and
apologised for his action, and admitted that the cow had
the day before been sold to Messrs. Harrison and
Barber for cats and dogs meat.
The Acton Improvement Act, which received the
Royal Assent on 24th June, contains many useful and
beneficial clauses. Although Parliament did not grant all
the Council asked for, the application of the sections it
does contain will greatly assist us in making Acton the
healthiest suburb around London. In many matters it
is now not necessary to prove a nuisance or direct injury
to health. The clauses dealing with tuberculosis in cows
and milk are most important, and will be made use of
should occasion arise.