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59
DISINFECTANTS.
The public continue to avail themselves of the opportunity generously
afforded them by the Council of obtaining disinfectants (powder and fluid).
This entails a lot of labour, but no doubt the results are beneficial, if only to
encourage cleanliness.
The number of applicants during the year was 24,786 (20,228 in 1917).
an increase of 4,558 on the previous year.
Instructions are given to applicants as to the proper and careful use of
the disinfectants, and in many instances, during the course of inspectorial
work, we have found the public making good use of them. Besides being
distributed to the public generally, disinfectants are also supplied from the
department for disinfecting and deodorising house refuse; for the cleansing
of street gullies, flushing of sewers, watering roads in hot weather, and for all
other purposes required by the Council.
DAIRIES, COW SHEDS, AND MILK SHOPS.
The number of cowkeepers on the register is 2. The number of cows kept
varies from 20 to 30, and these are out to graze during the greater portion of
the year. The number of milk-sellers on the register is 94.
The whole of these have been inspected from time to time, with a view to
seeing that cleanliness is observed; owing to the shortage of milk a great many
discontinued selling it.
In my opinion, no person should be allowed to sell milk or handle it,
except under special conditions, and licenses should be granted from year to
year, and renewed only on condition that the licensee had carried on the
business to the satisfaction of the authority concerned. New legislation for
this, and other matters in connection with the milk supply is badly needed.
The warranty defence, and the difficulties of proving adulteration, are all
against public good. Sterilisation of all milk, and a good scheme for distribution
would tend to reduce adulteration, and give the public a much purer
milk.
In pre-war days we had between 70 and 80 ice cream vendors in the
district, but this business has, up to the present, practically ceased.
SLAUGHTER HOUSES AND UNSOUND FOODS.
There are at present 5 slaughter-houses in use. One is an old registered
slaughter-house, and has been in existence for over 50 years. It is now rarely
used for other than killing sheep and pigs.