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52
conveyed to mail through milk. These facts resulted in the
enforcement of certain regulations in dairies and cowsheds. But the
other foods were left alone. Last year, a start was made, and
action can now be taken under the Meat Regulations.
Action is long overdue in respect of other foods. It is unnecessary
to prove that certain diseases are caused by the dirty
handling of food. When obvious facts as to contamination with
filth can be adduced, as they very easily may, there is no need for
voicing the theories of the experts as to what the effect upon
the food and afterwards upon the consumer may be.
Public Health Meat Regulations, 1924.—One most notable
advance has been made during the past year. I refer to the Public
Health Meat Regulations, 1924. which came into force on April 1st,
1925.
The Regulations are divided into six parts of which the first
part deals with definitions, and indicates the local authorities which
are responsible for the executive work imposed by the regulations,
and further sets out the officers of the authority who shall be
responsible for the work.
Slaughterhouses and Slaughtering.—Part II of the Regulatious
contains provisions for the regulation of slaughterhouses and
slaughtering, and in particular for requiring notices of slaughtering,
and of evidence of disease to be given to the appropriate officer of
the local authority. Although there are only three slaughterhouses
in the district, and in one of these practically no slaughtering
has taken place for a considerable time, and in another an inspector
is always present during slaughtering, these regulations have been
proved in the past to be necessary ones.
It will be recollected that in December, 1924, the Council
instituted proceedings and obtained a conviction against a firm for
having in its possession diseased meat. Article 10 of the regulations
provides that the carcase and the important organs shall not be
removed from the place of slaughter until the carcase with its
organs has been inspected or its removal authorised by an inspector
of the local authority.
Before dealing with the results of inspection in this district,
Part III of the Regulations may be noted as both have bearing
upon the meat inspection carried out here.