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Food Poisoning.—Only one case of food-poisoning was
brought to my notice during the year, in which case two
families showed symptoms of poisoning which were attributed
to sardines. Microscopical examination of contents of the
tins revealed short bacilli which could not be grown on
any medium, so one may presume that there was no bacterial
infection. As all the members of the two families partook
of pork on the same day, it is impossible to say what was the
actual cause. Those members affected awoke within a few
minutes of one another the following morning with persistent
sickness and diarrhœa, accompanied by pain. In another
instance there was considerable abdominal pain, and in some
of the other members, nausea.
The medical man in attendance reported that he had a
previous definite case of food poisoning from the same brand
of sardines comparatively recently.
Water Supply.—On the whole the water has been more
satisfactory this year, owing to the mixture of the supplies,
but owing to the trouble which has been experienced with
regard to the hardness, I was instructed by the Committee to
make periodic analysis of the water in various parts of the
town.
Information was received that the water supply had
been withdrawn during the year from 12 houses, for the
following reasons:—1, owing to leakages; 2, by request;
6, owing to arrears of rates; 1, premises empty; and 2, for
other reasons.
Supervision of the Erection of New Houses.—This is
under the control of the Surveyor, and there is a special
Inspector whose duty is solely devoted to the supervision of the
erection of new houses and additions.
Slaughterhouses.—The number of registered slaughterhouses
remains as last year, viz., six.
The visits to these have been, as far as possible, timed to
take place whilst the animals were being slaughtered and
dressed for food, this being the best time for inspection, as
the whole of the organs and carcase can then be examined
together. I may mention that the Officers of your Sanitary
Department have made inspection of such premises outside
the prescribed hours of their duty, in order that their visits
may coincide with the usual time that the various licensees
of slaughterhouses do their killing.
The Bye-laws as to the periodical limewashing of walls,
and the removal of garbage, offal, etc., have been complied
with, no neglect in this respect having been found.
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