TESTING OF MILK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21906, 15 September 1934, Page 17

TESTING OF MILK

ENSUBING CLEANLINESS ACTIVITY OF DEPARTMENT DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL Teats made by officers of the Department of Agriculture regarding the cleanliness of the supply of milk were considered at a meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council yesterday. The subject was raised when a report was received describing the results of 103 inspections of registered dairies, carried out by the department during August. The report stated that 24 samples of milk, representing 716 cows, had been sent to the Wallaceville laboratory. In various herds 110 cows were tested for tuberculosis, there being seven reactions. The sediment tests numbered 103 and seven had proved to be dirty. Requests for improvement had been made in each case. Mr. I. J. Goldstine said the report showed the necessity of the step the council contemplated taking in having an officer to carry out such tests. He had information showing that the tests could be done on the spot for a small sum, and he thought there was every justification for the council to engage an officer as soon as possible. He was convinced that the expense would be practically negligible compared with the advantage to be gained. A Member: That is, to test all milk before it is used? Mr. Goldstine: I do not say that it should be tested every day. The chairman, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said the matter was to be discussed at a subsequent meeting of the council. Mr. H. F. W. Meikle asked what had happened to the milk in the seven cases where it had been shown to be dirty, Mr. A. C. Trousdale replying that he would like Mr. Meikle to go to some farms in the winter time and to observe the working conditions. It was remarkable that there was such a small number of complaints. Mr. Meikle said all he required was an assurance that dirty milk was not reaching the consumers. He was not satisfied that the department had the power to order the return of such milk to the producers. In the view of Mr. Goldstine, there was no need for undue concern. The department was doing good work, but its officers could not take tests eS ery dav. Exception was not being taken to the methods of the department, there was merely a proposal for activity on the part of the council. The chairman said the report was evidence that the department was doing excellent work, and ho hoped that no impression would be obtained that the council was dissatisfied with the activities. The report was received.