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58
One other patient was admitted. She was admitted as a doubtful
case of Enteric Fever, and succumbed. A post mortem
examination was allowed, and the cause of death was Cirrhosis of
the Liver.
DAIRIES AND MILKSHOPS.
There are 71 names of persons 011 the register, who carry on the
trade of dairymen or purveyors of milk in the district, or an average
of 1 milk store to every 732 persons. In London, this number varies
from 1 store to every 205 persons in Stepney, to 1 to every 839 in
Paddington. These figures seem to suggest that we compare favourably
with neighbournig districts in respect to the conditions in which
the milk is sold. Twenty-five of those registered are dairies or shops
selling dairy produce only, and the other 46 are general shops selling
milk in addition to a variety of articles, including, in some instances,
soap, firewood, and other articles liable to create a dusty atmosphere.
If 1 London the latter class constitutes about 80 per cent, of all the
milk-selling premises compared with 65 per cent, in Acton. It is a
very difficult matter to keep the milk clean in these general shops,
but, unfortunately, there is no direct power conferred on local
authorities of refusing to grant registration to unsuitable shops.
Clause 6 of the Dairy Order of 1885 enacts that every local authority
shall keep a correct register of all milk sellers and purveyors in their
district, and they shall register every such person who applies. Under
the regulations, the Council has power to insist upon certain conditions
of cleanliness to be observed. In most instances the counterpan
is covered with muslin, and this prevents the grosser forms of
contamination. Our power of control over the milk supply is limited
bv the fact that most of the milk consumed in the district comes from
outside sources. Of the 71 persons registered, 3 only are cowkeepers,
and this constitutes a need not for more legislation, but for a more
direct and uniform enforcement of the legislation which now exists.
COMMON LODGING HOUSES.
There are two registered common lodging houses in the district,
with accommodation for 150 lodgers. Under the Acton Improvement
Act, 1904, the registration of a common lodging house or of
the keeper of a common lodging house, shall operate for one year