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107
Slaughter-houses.—I have frequently pointed out in previous
reports that the obscure private slaughter-house is often used for
killing and preparing carcases for market, and the difficulties associated
with thorough inspection. Killing is usually done at
nights and Sundays, and the first objector the Inspector
meets when visiting at. night is the faithful but ferocious dog
who not only informs his master that someone is coming, but
keeps the Inspector at bay for his master's convenience.
It is provided in the Public Health Act, 1890, that a
"licensed" slaughter-honse may be closed upon the occupier's
conviction by a Court of Summary Jurisdiction for having upon
the premises, meat not fit for the food of man. The wording
of the Section is "The occupier of any building licensed as
aforesaid," but as the worst slaughter-houses in the Borough
are "Registered" we are legally advised that we cannot claim
the advantages of this section. The position certainly seems a
little ludicrous—that which is considered to be an offence
serious enough to close a licensed slaughter-house, has not the
same effect in the case of a registered slaughter-house.
It is to be hoped that the private slaughter-houses will soon
receive the attention of Parliament, and that some legislation
will be enacted giving more drastic powers to Local Authorities
respecting old slaughter-houses. A further advantage in
detecting diseased carcases would be to make it compulsory for
every slaughterman to give notice to the Local Inspector and
obtain a permit before killing. This would (in my opinion)
eliminate from the Trade, the nefarious dealer in old " Screw "
cows, and do no injustice to the honest trader.
Public abattoirs have been advocated for many years, but
their general adoption in small towns is very slow, and one is
afraid that while the door of the private slaughter-house is open,
diseased animals will be taken there in preference to the Public
Abattoir.
There are 15 registered or licensed Slaughter-houses in
the Borough, and during the year 124 inspections have been
made.