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9
MILK SUPPLY.
Only a small proportion of the milk supplied in the
district is now derived from cows kept here, by far the
greater portion coming from distant places.
Unfortunately, as matters stand, the Sanitary
Authorities have no control over these outside farms,
and it is generally recognised by those qualified to know
that many of these places from which the milk is supplied
are in anything but a satisfactory sanitary state
(I am now speaking in general terms without any special
reference to this district), the sheds being badly kept,
overcrowded, ill-ventilated and drained, and the cows
kept in an unclean condition, although the greatest
possible care and cleanliness should be observed in every
detail connected with dairy work. Clean milk, carefully
strained and immediately cooled, are essentials.
Some of the London milk actually travels over 400 miles
before it reaches the consumer. During this time it is
often subjected to various changes of temperature and
other risks. It should be sent in special vans with
refrigerators, in sealed churns, and have a quick transit.
There is still much to be done before this most important
article of diet will be brought under efficient sanitary
control.
I think a register should be kept of all farms sending
milk into this district, and if possible a certificate as to
their condition obtained at intervals from the Medical
Officers of Health of the District in which they are
situated.
In this district we have always found the milk
vendors quite ready to give any information or assistance
in their power to the Sanitary Officers.
SLAUGHTER HOUSES.
Of these places there are three in the district. They
have been inspected regularly and found clean and well
kept.
Only two cases of unsound food were brought to
the notice of the Sanitary Officers, and these were not
bad cases.