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proper preservation of the cleanliness of the premises and of the milk
vessels, or in any manner likely to cause contamination of the milk
therein.
I have thought it desirable to give the above resume of the Order as
an introduction to a few observations on the Regulations, &c., framed
by the Local Authority, and now in force throughout the Metropolis.
And first I would remark that, although the 34th section of the
"Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, 1878," which authorises the
Privy Council to make the Order, enables the Council to endow the
"Local Authority" with power to frame regulations for "prescribing
and regulating the lighting, ventilation, cleansing, drainage, and water
supply of dairies and cowsheds," the Couucil have given the Local
Authority power to make regulations for "prescribing and regulating"
the "cleansing" only, of dairies, cowsheds, milk shops, and milk vessels;
and the Middlesex magistrates have actually confined themselves to
making two simple regulations for this purpose The Order enables
the Local Authority to "prescribe" but not to make regulations for
the "lighting, ventilation, drainage, and water supply" of cowsheds,
dairies, &c., and this the Board (and the Surrey magistrates also) have
done, as well as they were able, by setting out the "Provisions which it
is necessary shall be made in all dairies and cowsheds," in compliance
with the sections 6 and 7 of the Order.
The "Regulations" of the Board, therefore, consist, firstly, of certain
"Provisions for lighting, ventilation, drainage, and water supply,"
which may be regarded as a standard of what the Board will require
for its "reasonable satisfaction;" and, secondly, of "Regulations"
proper as to the "cleansing of dairies, cowsheds, and milk shops.
These Regulations, so far as they go, are such as are reasonable,
and the due carrying-out of them cannot fail to be attended with good
results.
But further interest attaches to the "Provisions for lighting, ventilation,
cleansing, drainage, and water supply of dairies and cowsheds,"
which, though falling short—perhaps unavoidably—of sanitary require
ments, nevertheless present some valuable features; e.g.—To ensure
"sufficient ventilation or air space for the health and good condition of
the cattle; an adequate provision of floor and cubic space is enjoined,
the air space being "at least 800 cubic feet in respect of every animal