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115
We learn from the Board's Annual Report that since the
Order of 1879 came into operation, upwards of 22,000 registrations
or transfers of registration have been effected, and that there
are now some 9,000 registered premises in the Metropolis,
including those of 810 cowkeepers, who keep upwards of 10,000
cows. In the larger dairies and milk stores, it is stated, "much
improvement has taken place, and they are generally in a satisfactory
condition;" while "in the small shops where milk is sold,
there has been considerable improvement in point of cleanliness,
and in the separation from the place of storage, of substances
likely to contaminate the milk."
It is a somewhat extraordinary fact, which may be considered
satisfactory or otherwise, that proceedings under the Dairies
Order had to be taken in three cases only during the year, viz.:
against two cowkeepers—in one case for infringement of the
regulations, and in the other for keeping cows on unlicensed
premises—and against a person who carried on the sale of milk
without complying with the requirements of the Order as to
registration.
PUBLIC HEALTH (DAIRIES, etc.) BILL, 1883.
In a previous Report I referred to the "Public Health,
(Dairies, etc.) Bill," introduced by Government, with the object
of placing the supervision of dairies, cowsheds, etc., under the
Sanitary Authorities, it having been found that in many parts of
the country the "Dairies, etc., Order, 1879," was practically a
dead letter, owing to the failure by "Local Authorities" (mostly
county Magistrates) to appoint proper officers to inspect dairies
and cowsheds, and generally to carry out the provisions of the
Order.* The object of the Bill was (among other things) to
transfer to the Local Government Board, the powers of the Privy
Council, with regard to cowsheds, dairies, and milk shops, includ-
* The "Local Authorities" for Middlesex, and part of the County of Surrey,
are deserving of honourable mention for having appointed special officers to
carry out the provisions of the Order.