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the cow-keepers in the Colony should exercise great care in importing food stuffs themselves or buying food stuffs from tradesmen who import it. This is specially important at a time when Cattle Plague is prevalent in so many places.
Unfortunately two of the animals belonging to the French Mission which adjoins the Dairy Farm Company's premises became infected soon after the outbreak at the Dairy Farm. However, by prompt and complete isolation of the diseased animals, its further spread amongst the animals belonging to tlie French Missions was prevented.
With the exception of one other case of suspected rinderpest which occurred in a cowshed at. West l'oint the health of the animals in the other cowsheds in the Colony was good throughout the year. The sanitary arrangements of these sheds have been well looked after during the year by the District Sanitary Inspectors.
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MARKETS.
New Central. This market is in a good state of repair and in thorough good working order. During the typhoon of the 29th of July, the roofs and doors at the north end of the market were slightly damaged. These damages were at once made good by the Public Works Department. Most of the shops and stalls are let except in the poultry section. Nothing of very special importance has occurrel during the year and the general routine work has been carried on smoothly.
Western. The shops and kitchens in this market are undergoing fairly extensive repairs and these are now nearing completion. This work has greatly improved the sanitary condition of the market. The structures forming the meat, fish and vegetable sections are very old and do not by any means adequately meet the requirements of the district but they are in a fair state of repair.
Saiyingpun.-The remarks made regarding the various sections in the Western Market are applicable to this market.
Wantsai, Sokunpo, Yaumati, and Hung Hom Markets-The buildings are all in a good state of repair, the requirements in the district in which these markets are situated are adequately met.
Shaukiwan.-The building is in a fair state of repair but it is not large enough to meet the requirements of the district, however, as I understand it has been decided to either rebuild or extend this market I need not say anything further regarding it at present.
PROSECUTIONS.
During the year fifty-one prosecutions were instituted for breaches of the Markets Ordinances and Bye-laws made thereunder and forty-one convictions obtained. The total amount of fines inflicted was three hundred and twenty dollars.
STAFF.
The Colonial Veterinary Surgeon was absent on leave during the whole of the year. Mr. WATSON has been in charge of the Slaughter-house and Animal Depôts at Kennedytown whilst I have been performing the duties of the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon. Mr. McEwEN acted as assistant Inspector of Markets till the 6th of March, when he was permitted to leave to take up the appointment of Inspector of Police in Her Majesty's Naval Yard. When Mr. McEwEN left Mr. WM. MCDONALD was appointed acting assistant Inspector of Markets. It is satisfactory to be able to record that these three officers performed their duties in an efficient manner.
Mr. G. A. Souza, overseer of the Central Market, resigned his post at the end of July, and Mr. COLLINS was temporarily appointed in his place; Mr. COLLINS resigned his post at the end of his probationary period. Mr. N. JOHANSENN was then appointed on three months probation and has, so far, performed his duties in a very satisfactory manner.
One of the Night Watchmen in the Central Market was dismissed for neglect of duty, one absconded and two others through ill-health resigned their posts. The vacancies thus caused have been duly filled and the men appointed have given satisfaction.
Scavengers.--Nothing of any importance has occurred amongst these men and as a rule they have performed their work satisfactorily.
I have the honour to be,
H. MCCALLUM, Esq.,
Secretary, Sanitary Board,
&c.
&c.,
&c.
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
WILLIAM FISHER,
Officer Acting
for the
Colonial Veterinary Surgeon.
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