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67
SLAUGHTER- HOUSES.
These have been well supervised during the year by frequent visits,
and generally, as far as structure and arrangement will allow, the premises
have been well kept.
The buildings are all old, and only one slaughter-house has been
licensed under the powers of the Public Health Amendment Act.
Facilities for carrying out the inspection of meat in the slaughterhouses
and in the shops have been freely given by the butchers, and no
difficulty with the Inspectors has arisen.
Two emaciated carcasses of beef were seized on the premises of a
licensed cow-keeper and the owner summoned.
The meat had been destroyed by a Justice's order, but the case
against the defendant was dismissed without costs.
The defence was that the meat was not for human consumption
although "London dressed."
Similar meat was seized in a slaughter-house this month (Feb., 1910),
and a severe fine imposed, with revocation of license.
Successful prosecution of those who slaughter old, worn-out and
injured cows is not easy.
If the Inspector does not happen to be present when the internal
organs are exposed, these are soon got rid of if diseased, and under
these circumstances it is not easy to satisfy the Justices that the meat
is unfit for human food.
There are but a few engaged in this kind of trade, and they require a
deal of watching.
The list of meat condemned will be found in Mr. West's report.
HOUSE REFUSE REMOVAL AND
SCAVENGING.
The roads have been well kept, and the wet weather experienced, by
the allaying of dust, served the public health well.