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25
I have not dwelt upon the role of milk as a carrier of infectious
disease, but it is well known that some of these diseases are carried
by contaminated milk. Outbreaks of Typhoid Fever have been
traced to infected milk; these outbreaks are usually due to the
pollution of the water used for washing the cans.
The germs of consumption are also generally supposed to be
transmitted in milk. Outbreaks of Scarlet Fever, and Diphtheria,
are said to have originated in a contaminated milk supply. But
the influence of bacteria-laden milk on health is not fully understood
nor definitely settled.
It is possible that our list of milk-borne diseases is far from
complete, and that fuller knowledge may add to the dangers we
now know to exist in the present state of our milk supply
But the possibility of contamination of the milk does not stop
with its delivery in the district. Of the premises registered, 25
are dairies or shops selling dairy produce only and the other 37 are
general shops, where milk is sold in addition to a variety of articles,
including, in some instances, soap, firewood, and other things
liable to create a dusty atmosphere.
It is a difficult matter to keep the milk clean in these general
shops, but there is no power conferred on local authorities to refuse
the registration of 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 person who applies. Under the regulations, the
Council has power to insist upon certain conditions of cleanliness to
be observed. In most instances, the counter-pan is covered with
muslin, but this only prevents the grosser forms of contamination
To what extent can these be obviated, and how can the dangers
attendant on them be avoided? On theoritical lines, our obvious
duty would be to insist on regulations which would ensure the milk
to be absolutely free from contamination, the cows healthy, the