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Regular inspections have been carried out under these
provisions, and samples of milk have also been taken and
examined for the presence of tubercle bacilli.
The Veterinary Surgeon (Mr. Overed) carries out his
examinations witli the greatest thoroughness, and he reports
that on all his periodical examinations of the cows in the district
he found the animals in good condition and their udders
free from disease.
Slaughterhouses and Meat Inspection.
At the present time there are 12 slaughterhouses in the
District, all of which are now licensed. During the year
these have been constantly inspected, and 272 visits have
been paid. Several of these houses have been in use for many
years, but as far as practicable, are kept in a clean and satisfactory
condition. When possible these visits of the Inspectors
are made at the time of slaughtering and preparing
the meat for sale.
Both the Chief Sanitary Inspector and the Assistant
Sanitary Inspector hold a certificate in meat inspection, and
are excellently trained in this respect. Owing to the close
proximity of the district to the large cattle markets of
London, a small proportion only of meat which is sold is
prepared locally, and much has been carefully inspected
before coming into the district.
It may be added that it has always been the object of
this department to cultivate a feeling of confidence amongst
the butchers trading in the district. Frequently they are
the first to bring to the notice of the health authority the
question whether meat is sound and fit for food, and every
possible assistance is very readily extended to them, and the
consequence is, I believe, that the majority of butchers are
really anxious to meet the requirements.
No difficulty has been met with in inspecting any of these
premises, and every assistance has always been given.