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16
the district for the most part voluntarily notify diseased meat
so that few cases reach the magistrate.
During- the year there was no case to be brought before
a magistrate.
The slaughter houses have been regularly inspected.
The premises are comparatively small and not well situated.
They have, however, been kept clean and the paving and
drainage in fairly good repair.
General inspection of foods, fruits, vegetables and other
commodities has been carried out as also the premises in
which preparation of food takes place. No complaints were
received in respect of any of these.
Meal Two samples of meal used for feeding pigs and
suspected of having caused poisoning were analysed. The report
showed that in neither case was there anything found
organic or inorganic capable of causing poisoning.
Raisins :—Two samples of raisins were investigated : no
adulterants were found nor decomposition in either case.
All foods should be stored and exposed for sale in
premises that are scrupulously clean. Dust, flies, gases of
decomposition, etc., should be rigorously excluded. The
covering by glass and otherwise of meats, butter, cheese,
etc., should now be required of all vendors of these foods.
The greengrocer also and fruiterer who expose their wares
to the filthy dust of the street should be required to mend
their ways. Once the consumer demands and fails to be
satisfied with anything other than clean foods the supply will
follow.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
There were notified during the year 240 cases of
Infectious disease. Examination of the accompanying
table will show that three diseases accounted for
185 of these, viz.,diphtheria 97, scarlet fever 45, and
tuberculosis 43. The corresponding figures for last year
were diphtheria 29, scarlet fever 9, and tuberculosis 28.
It will be noticed that the table shows the numbers
occurring in the five parishes and at certain age periods, also
the number of cases removed to hospital (50 per cent. of total
cases; 73 per cent. of diphtheria, and 95 per cent of scarlet
fever).