IMPURE MILK.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10593, 24 October 1910, Page 2

IMPURE MILK.

A BUNGLED DEPARTMENT

(Per Pbess Association.) Christcliurch, October 22. As the outcome of yesterday's inquest, 'at..-which the medical evidence showed that a young girl died -of abdominal tuberculosis due todrinking tubercular, milk, the question of ensuring a- pure milk supply is-receiving considerable attention. , Dr Symes, in an interview, states that the purity of the milk supplied ,in the city; has deteriorated 'Tsinoe the mr, spection. has been divided between the Health and Agricultural Departments, and he alleges that about 20 per cent. , of the"- dairy cattle in the district are suffering from tuberculosis. _ The Mayor (Mr C. .Alison), in an interview, stated that it Lad been urged that the City Council should take steps to bring the matter before the Government. . The Council took action in 1906, and had appointed a special committee,' which included Messrs Alex. M'Pherson and Longton, of the Agricultural Department, and several prominent citizens. - The Committee held several meetings, .and showed the necessity of protecting the public from the dangers referred to by Dr Symes. They found, on going into the question, that it was necessary for the Government to establish milk districts, something similar to an abattoir district, so that the Council could. have, a similar control over milk to that they have over meat. The Committee were satisfied that if the .Council had .that control' the'_ public would be protected, and the dairy farmers would be able to get a better and more reliable test for their milk than under tlit; present system, because_ a i great saving would uo effected, by th<j; l subdivision of the districts for delivery purposes. At a- meeting of the City Council, held on October Ist, 1906, the Committee presented its report. In this it was urged that unless riiilk districts were determined by the Government it was impossible that efficient control could be given. Sufficient proof had been given that the control of the milk supply was exceedingly inefficient. It was further absolutely necessary that a thoroughly efficient inspection slionld be provided both for cattle, milk byres, the methods adopted in milking and delivery, and all this 'should be nnder dne' control. The Committee therefore recommended that the Government be urged to give the question of milk supply their earnest consideration, and should pass such legislation as might be necessary to enable the. Public Health Department to control the production and distribution. The report was adopted by the Council,and a copy, of it sent to the Department under date August 17tli, 1906. A letter was received from the Agricultural Department to the following effe,ct: "With reference to the recommendation contained in vour letter of the lOtli instant, I have the honor to inform you that the matter of proclaiming; milk districts in which the sale of milk may be regulated, lias been considered, but it is not intended to amend the Dairy Industry Act m this direction at present. In all P rc j" bability the general registration of all .dairies throughout the colony will instituted' shortly." The Council had done all they could, but their efforts had been frustrated by the Department.