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Petroleum Acts, 1871 to 1879.- Twenty-.six applications
were received for Licences to keep Petroleum as defined by
the above Acts, 4 of which were for new and 22 for renewals
of existing Licences. Suitable stores being provided, all the
applications were granted, the quantities ranging from 20
to 1,000 gallons, namely:—
21 for the storage or sale of Petrol, chiefly for use in
Motor Cars.
4 for Benzoline.
1 for Hydrocarbon.
The premises have been inspected from time to time to
see that the conditions attached to the licences have been
strictly complied with. No neglect or breach was found.
The Acts apply to Petroleum, which, when tested, gives
off an inflammable vapour at a temperature of 73 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Thirty samples of Oil sold under various names, such as
Pock Oil, Tea Rose, Paraffin, etc., have been purchased at
various oil shops and tested as to the flash point; all being
found above the minimum (73 deg. Fahrenheit) prescribed
by Statute, and consequently a licence was not necessary for
the storage or sale.
Diseases of Animals Acts. During the year only two
outbreaks of diseases scheduled in the above Acts occurred,
one in January at stables off Arthur Road; a horse suspected
to be suffering from Glanders was slaughtered, and a post
mortem examination proved the diagnosis to be correct. The
animals in contact were tested with “Mallein”—none reacted;
and the other in December, when an outbreak of Swine Fever
occurred at some premises off Somerset Road. Several pigs
were attacked with illness, and two died before a veterinary
surgeon was called in; he suspected Swine Fever, and the post
mortem examination confirmed his diagnosis.
In each case information was promptly given to the
Board of Agriculture, and the necessary notices served for
the isolation of the infected animals and the detention of the
contacts, and steps were taken to see that the disinfection,
cleansing, etc., was effectually carried out.
Periodical inspections have been made of the Pailway
Cattle Sidings Depot to see whether the provisions as to limewashing,
etc., have been carried out. Visits have also been
made to the various Mews and Stables in connection with the
Glanders and Farcy, and Parasitical Mange Orders; and to
Butchers' and other premises in connection with the Sheep
Dipping Orders.
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