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most urgent defects, other works, necessary though
they often are, have to be deferred. This position is not
satisfactory, but is unavoidable. Some of the older
houses present problems. There is only one real course
of action and that is demolition; but as there are no
replacements available for the occupiers, efforts have to
be made to keep these worn-out houses habitable.
Forty-seven samples were taken of graded milks,
most of which were satisfactory. A few samples failed
the methylene blue test, but it was usually possible to
attribute this failure to some temporary fault. A great
deal of trouble was experienced due to the unsatisfactory
keeping quality of the milk purveyed by one dairy
company from outside the area and many complaints
were received. Action was taken which resulted in
considerable improvement.

There are no large manufacturers in the area and
most of the retailers purchase ready made ice cream.
All ice cream premises were visited and advice given.
Special attention was given where unsatisfactory samples
were obtained, but there were no cases of consistently
bad samples.
A great deal of work is required in connection with
premises where food is prepared, stored, etc., and as
much time as possible is spent on this work, but it is,
of necessity, limited by the number of inspectors available
and the calls upon their time by the many other
activities of the department. There is close co-operation
with the Food Executive Officer of the Ministry of Food
with regard to food premises in respect of which
applications for new licences are under consideration.
The supply of dustbins is now satisfactory, enabling
a speeding up of action taken under Section 75 of the
Public Health Act, 1936, to be effected.