Listed below are the annual reports of the
Health Inspectors for milk shops, dairies and
cowsheds, from which the above data has been
extracted:
1907
There are 28 premises registered, 20 as cowkeepers
and dairymen, and 8 as milk purveyors. 286 visits
were made to these premises; 1 cowshed was found
overcrowded, 2 insanitary and 1 required limewashing.
I reported the insanitary condition of one cowshed
to the Medical Officer of Health, and plans have
since been submitted for a new cowshed.
Two old cowsheds have been demolished, and 4 new
cowsheds have been erected during the year.
More attention is now being paid to the grooming of
the hind quarters of the cattle, though amongst some
of the cowkeepers there is room for improvement.
With regard to light, ventilation, and cleanliness,
many of the cowsheds leave much to be desired, a few
are satisfactory in all these points, but some have
little or no provision for light, and ventilating
apertures where they do exist, are
frequently blocked by straw or bagging. I fully
endorse the Inspector’s remarks concerning the
failure in most instances to groom the cattle, the
udder and hind quarters being especially in need of
attention.
With reference to the milk shops, more care is
necessary in the storing of milk, small shop keepers
who sell milk frequently allow it to stand uncovered
on the counter, so that the vessel can be fingered
by children or other persons entering the shop,
there is also the danger of contamination from road
dust. The milk should be kept in a well ventilated
place and be properly covered. Milk readily becomes
a vehicle for the dissemination of so many diseases
that any legislation which will increase the control
over the country’s supply from its origin to its
distribution is to be heartily commended.
1911
There are sixteen cowkeepers and seventeen purveyors
of milk in the district; with the exception of four,
all were found clean and in good condition. These
four required limewashing, which was immediately
done. There were no prosecutions during the year.
There are 16 cowkeepers and 17 purveyors of milk
on the register. 136 visits have been made to these
premises and on 4 occasions have had to request
limewashing and 5 times the removal of manure from
the premises.
On the 18th of May I found a cow lying down outside
one of the cowsheds and was informed that she had
slipped down and broken her leg. The cow was
slaughtered and upon examination was found to be
affected with Septic Metritis owing to calving
troubles. The carcase was condemned by a Justice and
afterwards destroyed.
A special letter was sent to every cowkeeper
informing them that no animal intended for human
food must be slaughtered in or about any premises
except a licensed slaughter-house unless by special
permission in case of emergency
1914
There are 10 cowkeepers and 26 purveyors of milk in
the district. All the cowsheds were found in good
order, well limewashed and clean. One cow was
slaughtered, as it was found suffering from General
Tuberculosis.
These premises have been periodically visited
during the year and have been found to be well kept.
A distinct improvement in the Sanitary conditions in
and around the premises is to be noted. There are 10
cowkeepers now on the register with a total of 35
cows.
On one of my visits to these premises in March
last, I had occasion to note the condition of one
animal (recently calved) which appeared to be
suffering from Tuberculosis. As required by the
Tuberculosis Order of 1913, the case was at once
notified to the Local Authority under the Diseases
of Animals Act. A subsequent examination by a
veterinary surgeon indicated that the animal had Tuberculous. It was afterwards slaughtered and found
to be suffering from Generalized Tuberculosis. The
carcase was disposed of at the Knackers Yard under
my supervision. There are 26 purveyors of milk on
the register. The premises have been visited at
intervals.
1915
There are 8 cowkeepers and 26 purveyors of milk in
the district. The sheds were found to be well kept,
but several were reported as needing structural
repairs and alterations. 2 cowkeepers have been
taken off the register, thus leaving 8 cowkeepers in
the district. 2 of the existing sheds have been
unfavourably reported upon as regards their
structural condition, inadequate lighting,
insufficient ventilation and defective drainage,
etc. The question of bringing these premises up to a
satisfactory standard is receiving attention.
In two instances the attention of cowkeepers was
called to animals which were developing into an
emaciated condition The animals were ultimately
disposed of. I had occasion during the year to note
the condition of several bovine animals travelling
along the highway, obviously in an advanced stage of
Tuberculosis. They were followed for several miles,
the Police and inspector for the district informed,
and the animals secured. They were examined the
following
day and found to be badly affected. Owing to the
fact that the Tuberculosis Order of 1913 had been
suspended no immediate action could be taken.
1918
There are three dairies, 5 cowkeepers, and 14
purveyors of milk in the district. The premises have
been visited at regular intervals and the following
complaints reported and amended. Improper storage of
milk (conditions unsatisfactory) 3. Dirty condition
of cowhouses 2. Other defects 3.
1919
There are 5 cowkeepers and 9 purveyors of milk on
the register. The premises have been well kept, and
the arrangement for the storage of milk much
improved. There are but five cowkeepers registered
as carrying on trade in the district with a total of
21 milking cows. The premises are in very fair
structural repair and kept in cleanly condition.
Open manure pits are still to be encountered at the
majority of these places. It is to be hoped that the
immediate future will see the abolition of all open
and undrained manure pits of large capacity, forming
as they do a favourite breeding ground for the
pestilential house fly.
There are nine Purveyors of Milk in the district
who obtain their supplies from wholesale agents
outside the area. The old custom of storing milk in
open vessels in shops has now been abolished, and
suitable storage places are now provided, thus
reducing the liability to contamination.
1920
There are 6 cowkeepers and 11 purveyors of milk on
the register. The premises are well kept and the
facilities for milk storage are satisfactory. There
are 6 cowkeepers with a total of 26 milking cows,
carrying on business within the district. The
premises have been visited at frequent intervals,
and on the whole are well kept. I have reported 4
breaches of the bye-laws relating to dairies and
cowsheds, one on account of overcrowding and 3
re-cleansing of the premises. These were remedied
after notice. Three persons were reported for
carrying on business as purveyors of milk without
having been registered. In all instances application
was subsequently made and no further action was
taken.
10 purveyors or retailers of milk are registered
as carrying on trade within the district. In cases
where milk is sold from the premises, special
storage places are provided, in nearly all instances
being set apart from the dwelling and used solely
for the storage of milk.
1921
There are 7 cowsheds, 1 dairy, and 7 milk stores
registered as carrying on trade within the district.
The premises are well kept and the arrangements
satisfactory. There are 7 cowkeepers on the
register, the total number of cows kept being 25.
The premises are visited at frequent intervals. They
are on the whole well constructed and light. There
are 7 milk stores and 1 dairy in the district. These
are all satisfactory as regards milk storage and
handling.
The retailing of milk from small shops has been
practically abolished as the conditions under such
circumstances were found to be far from
satisfactory, the milk being liable to
contamination. Sterilised milk in stoppered bottles
appears to be gaining favour.
1923
There are 6 cowsheds, 15 retailers, 1 dairy and 9
slaughterhouses registered in the district. They are
well kept and the arrangements are of a satisfactory
character. There are 6 cowkeepers and 15 retailers
of milk on the registers, the total number of cows
kept being 32. The premises have been visited at
frequent intervals and have been found to be well
kept. As regards the retailers, every precaution is
taken to avoid contamination during retention of the
milk on the premises.
1925
There are 23 retailers and 5 cowkeepers on the
registers. The premises are well maintained and
periodically visited.
Retailers of milk living in the district provide
separate storage places for the milk, thus reducing
any risk of contamination. The premises have been
visited at regular intervals and found to be well
kept. There are 30 milk cows in the district and the
premises where they are kept are periodically
visited, both as regards the condition of the
premises and the general condition of the animals.
The Milk & Dairies Act 1915 which came into
operation on the 1st of September of this year and
co-incident with the Tuberculosis (Disease of
Animals Order), 1925 should be of great value in
obtaining a pure milk supply, free from disease. To
bring this object to fruition it is of course,
essential that samples of the milk should be taken
at intervals for bacteriological examination. Within
the last five years and previous to the introduction
of the above legislation, two milk cows have been
reported as tubercular, and subsequently
slaughtered. Post mortem examinations revealed that
they were affected with generalised tuberculosis and
totally unfit, either for milking purposes or for
food, thus emphasising the need for periodic
bacteriological examination of the milk before a
beast develops into an emaciated condition. In one
instance such examination would undoubtedly have
revealed tuberculosis of the udder and thus called
for stoppage of the milk supply.
It is to be hoped that examinations of this
character as now permitted by the legislature will
be generally carried out. All cattle found to re-act
to the tuberculin test, should be branded so that
their condition would be obvious to anyone
contemplating purchase. It is only by such means
that the disease can be eradicated, both in dairy
and other cattle.
1931
There are but 4 cowkeepers carrying on trade within
the district, the number of cows kept varying from
16 to 24.
Although the cowsheds in the district are well
constructed and maintained, the occupiers do not as
yet realise the importance of giving close attention
to detail cleanliness, such as daily cleansing of
the milking stool and proper storage of the utensils
between milking hours to avoid contamination, also
grooming of the cattle and clipping of the hind
quarters. However a decided improvement has been
noted as a result of frequent visits.
There are 29 retail purveyors of milk registered
as carrying on trade within the district. 15 of
these reside within the area. Separate milk stores
are provided at all registered premises within the
district. Two were found not to be up to standard
and were eventually replaced by new structures.
Periodic visits have been made to inspect these
stores which have been found to be well maintained.
Examination of samples for T.B. and dirty milk
are undertaken by the County Council. Two adverse
reports have been received, both complaining of
dirty milk. In both instances the retailers were
cowkeepers, and the fault was found to be due to
carelessness in handling utensils, and not
sufficient care in grooming of the cattle. As both
cowkeepers seemed anxious to carry out the
suggestions made, no proceedings were instituted.
The cowsheds were well constructed in
each case, with excellent floors and drainage.
One retail purveyor’s name was removed from the
Register for failing to observe the several
provisions of the Milk and Dairies Orders for
protecting milk against infection and contamination.
1 milk cow was reported as suffering from an
indurated udder. However before the official visit
the animal was moved out of the district. It was
eventually traced by the authorities and dealt with
under the Tuberculosis Order.
1937
There are 37 registered retailers, 11 of whom reside
within the area, and 5 Cowkeepers registered as
carrying on trade in the district, two having given
up business during the year The previous year’s
figures were 42 Retailers, 15 of whom were
residential, together with 7 cowkeepers. There are
no bottling establishments in the district.
No complaints have been received as a result of
samples taken by the County Authorities for
examination for cleanliness, etc. The following
matters have been dealt with during the year:
Failure to have name and address conspicuously
inscribed on the vehicle or utensils - 3. Unsuitable
or unsatisfactory methods of delivery - 2. Failure
to register - 2. Defective drainage to cowshed - 1.
Dirty milking stools - 2. Inadequate water supply -
1.
Instructions to take proceedings were necessary
in two instances, but it was unnecessary to proceed
as the complaints were remedied forthwith. Despite
efforts to the contrary, the public do not seem to
appreciate the safety value of pasteurised milk,
especially as regards children, the juvenile
consumption of sterilised and condensed milk being
rather high. There is no doubt whatever that
responsible authorities favour pasteurisation by
means of which the nutritional powers of milk are
not vitiated by the introduction of tubercular germs
into the system of the youthful ingurgitant.
It is to be noted that the delivery of milk in
this district, often made with open can and dipper,
is not entirely free from the possibility of
contamination especially in dry and dusty weather,
or by the hands of the vendor; the universal use of
closed containers, waxed, glass, or other substance,
leaving small possibility of dirt entrance, being
worthy of commendation.
1938
There are 3 cowkeepers registered as carrying on
trade within the area, 2 having given up business
during the year. In one case considerable structural
alterations were required to the building as a
result of which a new cowshed was erected and put
into use. One of the remaining sheds which can
hardly be regarded as satisfactory, will shortly be
given up as the adjoining premises have been
condemned.
There are 11 retailers resident
in the district and 29 non-resident. There are no
bottling establishments.
1942-43
The number of registered cow-keepers has now
been reduced to two, the total number of milking
cows kept varying between 30 and 40. One of the two
cowkeepers only keeps two cows.
In connection with the
Government Scheme to improve the quality of the
nation’s milk by making it an offence to sell milk
by retail unless it is heat-treated or otherwise
graded as defined, one of the afore-mentioned
cowkeepers will be giving up, and the producer
retailer will turn over to accredited milk.
Seventy per cent, of the milk
now being sold in the area is sterilised, and of the
remainder 4.8 per cent, is raw milk, the remainder
being graded milk—either pasteurised or T.T.
pasteurised. The T.T. milk retailed is all
pasteurised, the producers of such holding both
licences.
There are 14 registered
wholesale purveyors of milk, and 88 retailers. In
addition, there are five persons holding Dealers’
Licences for the sale of pasteurised milk. There are
no bottling establishments in the district.
Two complaints were received
from the County Authorities in 1942, one with regard
to accredited milk, and the other pasteurised, both
producers having their establishments outside the
area.
1943
Several complaints were received with regard to
bottled milk. In January of that year the sterilized
milk of one firm was found to have little or no
keeping qualities, and frequently sour on the day of
delivery. The matter was taken up with the proper
authorities and it was found that the sterilising
apparatus had been out of use for two or three weeks
owing to a breakdown, the necessary parts having
been difficult to obtain, in consequence of which
deliveries were only being made twice per week, and
the milk was on the turn when delivered.
The second complaint in
February with regard to another firm was, after
close investigation, found to be due to faulty
bottle washing and indiscriminate use of caustic
soda, leading to tainting of the bottles and their
contents.
Repeated complaints in the
early summer of 1943 of repeated souring of bottled
milk was traced eventually and found to be due to
the fact that the milk, at the time of its reception
at the depot, was of doubtful keeping qualities, and
was more or less unfit for processing. The matter
was taken up with the Milk Marketing Board, and a
decided improvement was noticed, although there was
a further series of complaints in October due to a
similar cause, i.e., “ processing of milk of
doubtful keeping qualities.” One further and later
complaint was traced to an old and dilapidated
bottle washing plant which was no longer capable of
doing its work, and in addition to which the
management was also open to criticism.
1944
There are now two registered cowkeepers in
the district, the total head of cattle varying
between 30 and 40.
By far the largest percentage
of milk retailed is sterilised at least 70 percent.
About 4.8 percent is untreated milk, the remainder
being bottled milk, sold under licence. There are no
bottling establishments in the area.
One complaint only was received
from the County Authorities during the year and
traced on investigation to inefficient sterilization
of equipment. An electric steam sterilisation plant
was installed later for the efficient treatment of
vessels.. No further complaints were received. The
difficulties encountered in the previous year with
tainting and souring of bottled milk have not
recurred, so it would appear that the action taken
at the time has produced good results.
1945
There are two registered cowkeepers in the
district, with from 30 to 40 head of cattle. There
are the only above two producer retailers in the
area, and no bottling establishments. Registered
Milk Retailers - 84.
As regards the milk retailed in
the district, approximately 70 percent is
sterilised, 4.8 percent untreated milk and the
remainder graded milk (pasteurised, T.T. or
accredited).
No complaints have been
received with regard to failure to comply with
official tests, and no further complaints have been
made by the public as regards souring of milk.
1946
There are two registered
cow-keepers in the district who are the only two
producer retailers in the area, and no bottling
establishments. As regards the milk retailed in
the district, approximately 70 percent is
sterilised, 4.8 percent
untreated milk and the remainder graded milk
(pasteurised, T.T. or accredited).
One report was received with
regard to an unsatisfactory sample of bottled milk
taken by the Sampling Officer of the County. This referred to a bottling
establishment outside the area and was dealt with by
the appropriate authority.
1947
There are two registered
cowkeepers in the district. These are the only two
producer retailers in the area, and no bottling
establishments.
Sterilised milk still retains
its popularity due primarily to its keeping
qualities and the preference it enjoys for making
milk puddings, custards, etc. It represents
approximately 70 percent of all milk retailed in the
district.
1948
There are two registered
cowkeepers in the district. There are only two producer
retailers in the area and no bottling establishments.
Sterilised milk still retains
its popularity principally on account of its keeping
qualities and preference for making puddings, custards, etc. 70
percent of all milk
retailed is sterilised. Reports on samples of milk
submitted for examination will be found in the report of the
Medical Officer of Health.
1949
Under the new Milk (Special Designations)
Regulations 1949, which came into force in October
of this year, the following were registered for the
sale of milk in this area :-
|
Supplementary Licences: |
| |
Sterilised |
11 |
| |
Pasteurised |
2 |
| Dealer’s
Licences: |
| |
Sterilised
|
81 |
| |
Pasteurised |
10 |
Milk production has come to an
end in Darlaston, as the one cowkeeper who ran a reasonable
herd gave up business and the other now only keeps one
milking cow.
1950
The whole of the milk supply in
the district is heat treated, approximately 75
percent of
the milk retailed being sterilised. There are no sterilising plants
in the district. Details in connection with the
bacteriological examination and the results are
indicated in the Medical Officer’s section of this
report.
There are no registered
cow-keepers in the district. |
