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which is rarely done owing to the unsuitable mode of construction
A brick pit enclosed on four sides is in no way suitable. There should
be merely an impervious platform, draining to a gully, with just a
sufficient guard round it to keep the whole tidy, and the nearer we get
to this form, the more suitable the place. My endeavour is to increase
the number of these and abolish everything in the nature of a pit.
In connection with our inspections the following works have been
carried out:—
Premises paved, drained and cleansed 28
Drains repaired 5
Premises limewashed 5
New drainage provided 2
Receptacles provided 4
Bakehouses.—There are 54 bakehouses under observation in the
district, of which 6 are underground. The periodical cleansing required
by Act of Parliament has been supervised and certain improvements
effected.
Special cleansing 4
Improper accumulations removed 3
Manure receptacles improved 1
Repairs to paving and floors 5
Drains repaired 4
Ventilation improved 2
Other repairs 8
Slaughter-houses and Butchers' Shops.—Fifteen slaughterhouses
and 98 butchers' shops have been under constant supervision.
In the case of slaughter-houses, an endeavour is made to visit them
whenever slaughtering is in progress, as the only time at which a
thoroughly satisfactory examination can be made of the animals
slaughtered. In most cases every assistance is afforded to us and
any abnormal conditions dealt with. In three instances, one in a
slaughter-house and two in shops, seriously diseased meat has been
found and prosecutions instituted.
In the slaughter-house case a carcase of a tuberculous cow was found
shortly after slaughter and on proceedings being taken, the owner was
fined £20 and costs. The owner has appealed to quarter sessions
against the conviction.
In the butcher's shop, the carcase of a tuberculous cow recently
removed from the slaughter-house was found hanging in portions round
the shop, and a fine of £20 and costs inflicted by the bench.
In the third case, portions of tuberculous meat were discovered in a
safe in the rear of the butcher's shop, but on proceedings being taken
the case was dismissed.