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64
vation and experiment, clearly indicates that the alleged disadvantages
of bodied milk are so problematical that they may
be neglected, and that since the danger from unboiled milk
is so very real, it is wise to boil all milk before it is given to
an infant. As one familiar with the unsavoury conditions
under which milk is often produced, I have always felt that,
even if the disadvantages of boiled milk were as great, or
greater, as some have stated, these are trivial compared with
the risks children run who consume the raw article.
The increasing use of Pasteurised milk shews that the
public are slowly becoming alive to the danger above indicated,
but even here it is necessary to utter a word or two
of warning.
Slaughterhouses and Meat Inspection.
At the present time there are 11 slaughterhouses in the
district, all of which are now licensed. During the year
these have been constantly inspected, and 296 visits have been
paid. Several of these premises are old, and have been in use
for many years, but generally speaking they are kept in a
clean and satisfactory condition. When possible these visits
of the Inspector are made at a time of slaughtering and preparing
the meat for sale.
The Chief Sanitary Inspector holds a certificate in meat
inspection, and is excellently trained in this respect. Owing
to the close proximity of the district to the large cattle
markets of London, only a small proportion of meat 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
the Health Department to cultivate a feeling of confidence
amongst the butchers trading in the district. Frequently
they seek the advice of the health officials when in doubt as
to whether meat is diseased, and every possible assistance is
very readily extended to them; the consequence is, I believe,
that the majority of butchers are really anxious to meet the
requirements.