View report page

10
most frequent cause of complaint was neglect of limewashing
in the sheds, but the owners were always ready
to make any defects good as soon as their notice
was called to the same. No outbreak of infectious
disease was traced to contaminated milk. There has
been a very marked and pleasing improvement in the
grooming of the cows during the last few years, and I
think we have at last convinced the minds of those in
charge that such a proceeding is both proper and
essential.
SLAUGHTER HOUSES AND BAKEHOUSES.
These premises have also been regularly inspected
and reported upon. Their condition has been satisfactory.
Inspections of Slaughter Houses have generally
been made when killing has been going on. Besides
the quarterly inspections by the Sanitary Inspector and
myself, various other visits have been paid to these
places by the Inspector from time to time. No unsound
meat was discovered on any inspection; on the contrary
the quality of the meat appeared to be very good
indeed.
The Bakehouses are all well built upon quite
modern designs and kept in good sanitary condition.
HOUSE ACCOMMODATION, Etc.
As stated in previous Reports adequate house
accommodation has been provided for all classes of the
population, but rents for houses for the working classes
are far too high in proportion to the average weekly
earnings. Quite a considerable proportion of the people
belong to the labouring classes and in order to make
both ends meet are absolutely compelled to sub-let a
portion of their homes, which in many instances are
neither large enough nor suitably constructed for this
purpose. This has a very strong tendency to lead ultimately
to overcrowding and its attendant evils.
There is also a certain class of very unsatisfactory
people who are frequently moving from house to house
and carrying with them wherever they go, habits which
show an utter disregard of cleanliness, ventilation and
sanitation generally. These people seem to have a real
terror of fresh air and soap and water, and wherever
they go the results are the same: squalor, dirt, lowered
vitality and disease; and the unfortunate children are
the greatest sufferers from these bad conditions. One
wonders how any owners of property can bring themselves
to accept such as these as tenants. Their presence