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94
In the last case, viz., the eight baskets of strawberries which were
seized from a stall on the Green, the owner left the district and has
not since been seen.
In the case of the rabbits, these had been given to a little boy to
make what he could of them. He kept them at home overnight,
and when I found him endeavouring to sell them, he was, of course,
ignorant of the fact that he was liable to prosecution.
These matters were duly reported to the Sanitary Committee.
Generally speaking, retailers purchase from wholesale dealers, and
buy from samples opened for their inspection. In many cases on
the articles arriving in this district they have been found unfit for
human food.
In such cases the retailers bring the goods to the office, the goods
are seized, dealt with by a magistrate, and a certificate given stating
the food has been destroyed. This enables the owner to recover the
amount paid and prevents the tendency that would otherwise exist
to expose such food for sale.
Stalls and shops, where fish, fruit and other foods are exposed for
sale for human consumption, are regularly inspected.
COLLECTION OF FISH OFFAL.
The method of collecting fish offal in this district continues to be
much appreciated, as it is found that directly a fish-dealer comes
into the district he soon makes application for the Council's airtight
receptacles. The number of collections varies with the weather
or the supply and demand for fish.
The Council's charge for the collection and loan of each pail is
fourpence, and although this does not cover the cost, it has proved
very beneficial in assisting to abate the nuisance, inseparaole from
such business.