Sessional_Paper_1895 — Page 439

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REMARKS UPON THE MEAT SUPPLY OF THE COLONY.

During the past seven years in which I have had control of the food supply of the Colony, many complaints have reached me respecting the inferior quality of much of the beef exposed for sale in the various markets.

Being fully aware of the correctness of such statements, and having gone carefully into the matter, I finally decided to recommend the prohibition of the importation of all dead meat into the Colony.

In three reports dated the 3rd and 21st August, 1894, and 10th November, 1894, I explained the matter fully to the Board, pointing out that all dead meat imported into the Colony was of a very inferior quality, and for that reason alone it was advisable to prohibit it, as it was impossible to condemn the meat, however much emaciated, if not actually diseased; and suggested certain alterations in schedule D of Ordinance 17 of 1887, which I thought would meet the requirements of the case.

The Board decided that it was inexpedient to adopt my suggestions upon the ground that such measures would interfere with the importation of meat from Shanghai, Japan and Australia; although in my final report, I pointed out that meat from the above places was never exposed for sale in any of the markets, and in case it should be at any future period, that a bye-law framed under sub-section 9 of section 13 of the Public Health Ordinance (24 of 1887) prohibiting the importation of all dead meat from the province of Kwangtung would effectually meet the case, mentioning at the same time that the Singapore Municipal Council has just passed a similar resolution-prohibiting the importation of all dead ineat-presumably for the same reasons as advanced by myself.

STAFF.

Inspector of Markets.-Inspector FISHER obtained twelve months' leave from June 6th, and Ser- geant WITCHELL of the Police was seconded to act in his stead.

I am pleased to report that this officer has given me great satisfaction, his duties being always carried out in a most able and efficient manner.

Interpreter.-Mr. G. A. Souza has performed his duties satisfactorily.

Watchmen. These men, as usual, gave me a considerable amount of trouble during the year, and I am glad to say that the Government has decided to replace them with Indian Constables at an early date.

In the course of the year F. P. XAVIER, J. STEWART, A. B. Souza, CHUNAM SHAH, and A. DELGADO were dismissed.

G. J. JOSEPH absconded, and C. S. NORONHA and C. FLETCHER resigned.

The men holding the temporary appointments are F. W. COLLINS, C. DANIELS, MAHOMED ALI, and MEER ALI.

Market Scavengers. With the exception of some little trouble during the plague epidemic, nothing of importance occurred amongst these men during the year.

The general health of the staff was good.

Hongkong, March 16th, 1895.

C. VIVIAN LADDS, Colonial Veterinary Surgeon.