London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Wimbledon 1903

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]

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18
A serious epidemic of illness, which occurred at Woking, and
alleged to be due to a contaminated milk supply, brought into
prominence the question which has been much discussed of late years,
viz., as to the advisability of all milch cows being under proper
veterinary inspection, with a view to preventing the sale of milk from
cows suffering from tuberculosis or other diseases, and many local
authorities have appointed veterinary surgeons for that purpose.
Enquiries were made of all milk sellers in Wimbledon as to the
source of their supplies, but none came from the district in question.
In Wimbledon the number of milch cows kept decreases yearly,
as they must, as building operations extend, requiring the land
hitherto used for pastures. The cows kept here are under private
veterinary inspection, which I have every reason to believe to be
thorough, and 1 do not think the appointment of a veterinary surgeon
by the Council would be of much benefit or protection, seeing that
the greater part of the milk supply is obtained from districts some
considerable distance away. However I would strongly support any
measures which would bring about a national system of veterinary
inspection, and thereby ensure uniformity throughout the Kingdom.
Slaughterhouses
The number of premises on the slaughter-house register remains
the same as last year, viz., 6. At three of these a considerable amount
of slaughtering is carried on. Frequent inspections have been made
at all hours, day and night, and they are generally well kept, the byelaws
being complied with in every way.
These premises are all registered or licensed under the provisions
of the Public Health Act, 1875, which licenses can only be withdrawn
or revoked by the Justices after two convictions for non-observance
or breach of bye-laws. Local authorities are now empowered by the
Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1890 to grant licenses for a
specified time, not less than a year, which is to be mentioned on the
licence, for slaughter-houses erected after that date.
Common Loding Houses
The common lodging-house in High Street, Merton, which was
fist registered as such in December of last year, has been visited
from time to time for the purpose of seeing that the requirements of
the Public Health Act, and the bye-laws of the Council have been
complied wilh.