THE MILK SUPPLY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6832, 21 April 1890, Page 3

THE MILK SUPPLY.

A practical suggestion under the above heading was made seme time ago in these columns with regard to the inspection of dairies from which the milk consumed in this city and suburbs is procured. Since then a case dealt with by the Sydenham Borough Council showed in a forcible manner the necessity for stringent measures. In the case alluded to, which was fully reported at the time, it was shown that through the cows drinking impure water, a spread of one of the most contagious diseases, diphtheria, had been caused. Prompt steps were taken by the Sydenham Council to rectify this, and the danger of further contagion was removed. There is, however, no practical result so far as the city is concerned, and the dairies which supply it are under no direct inspection. At a meeting of milkmen held on Saturday evening the question of forming an Association was discussed, and a Committee appointed to draft rules, &c, with a view to such a union being brought about. During a subsequent discussion on the question, it was made evident that what the milkmen want most is precisely what has been urged in these columns — a proper system of inspection, without which the proposed Association would he practically useless. Were the dairies licensed, as are the slaughterhouses, and a fee charged which would cover the cost of inspecting them regularly, the public would be assured of the purity of this important branch of our food supply. A. system of licensing dairies would give the licensees a status, and the proposed Association would consist then of bona fide licensed dairymen, who could regulate their priceß, and generally administer the affairs of the trade to their own satisfaction. The suggestion is at least worthy of consideration by our civic authorities.