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137
mittee, and were "found in a satisfactory coiidition." The sheds
are licensed for the keeping of 185 cows, but contained 107 only at
the time of inspection. The several premises have been
systematically inspected throughout the year, although your
Vestry have no statutory powers in regard to them, the Metropolitan
Board being the " Local Authority" in respect of cowsheds,
as explained in the two following sections.
DAIRIES, COWSHEDS, AND MILIvSHOPS ORDER
OF 1885.
The 34th section of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act,
1878, provides for the registration of persons carrying on the trades
of cowkeeper and purveyor of milk ; for regulating the lighting,
ventilation, cleansing, drainage and water supply of dairies and
cowsheds; for securing the cleanliness of milk stores, milksliops,
and milk vessels ; and for protecting milk against infection
and contamination. The Metropolitan Board of Works is the
"Local Authority" for the purposes of the Act in the Metropolis,
the City only excepted. Under the provisions of the 34th section,
the Privy Council framed "The Dairies, Cowsheds, and Milkshops
Order of 1879," which enabled the Local Authority to make
regulations for the purposes above indicated. This Order was
superseded in 1885 by a fresh Order, which came into operation in
August. The new Order differs from its predecessor mainly in
its more strict provisions designed to prevent spread of infectious
disease through the agency of milk. But it also enlarges the
powers of the Local Authority to make regulations for securing
proper construction of registered premises. Of this power the
Board immediately took advantage by framing new regulations,
which are superior, in several respects, to the old ones; and, if
carried out loyally, should be effectual to prevent the spread
of disease by milk produced in London ; or by country milk—provided
it is uncontaminated on arrival in town. The importance
of this reservation will be obvious in view of an epidemic of
scarlet fever, referred to at page 29, which might have been pre-
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