Sessional_Paper_1906 — Page 518

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Balbiania Gigantea.-The most common habitat of this parasite in Hongkong is the red muscle tissue of the esophagus of the Chinese water buffalo. In two cases in water buffaloes the infection had extended beyond this. In one the invasion extended to the muscles of the shoulder, neck and tongue, and in the other case the entire carcase was in- fested so badly that an incision inade into any part of the muscle tissue showed one or more parasites. The carcases were destroyed.

Trichinosis. A search for the trichina spiralis has been kept up during the year. Por- tions of muscle tissue from 560 pigs have been examined microscopically, but so far no case has been discovered.

BUILDINGS.

There are no new buildings or alterations to record.

CATTLE CREMATORIUM.

The following is a statement of the working of the cattle crematoriuin for the year:-

Carcases cremated.

Cattle including calves,

Sheep and goats,

Swine,..

100

120

474

694

Miscellaneous creinated.

Beef injured and diseased,

Mutton

11

Tins unwholesome preserved meats, Biscuits,

Refuse cell,

Street rubbish, experimental burning,

Coal used.

Cattle crematorium,................... Refuse cell,

Total,

9,006 lbs.

94 lbs. 171 17,920 lbs.

3 tous.

Tone. cwt. lbs.

30. 0. 0 1.15.40

31.15.40

Reckoning the condemned beef, 9,006 lbs.. as equivalent to 14 bullocks of 650 lbs. each. this gives a total of 708 carcases cremated by 30 tons of coal or about 847 cwts. per carcase, Coal during 1905 cost $11 per ton which gives a cost of 46 odd cents per carcase cremated. In 1904 the total amount per head was '826 cwts. per carcase and the cost per head with coal at $11.50 per ton was 47 odd cents per carcase. Towards the end of the year the firebrick lining of the cremating furnace began to get burnt out and this more or less interfered with economical stoking.

SLAUGHTER HOUSES.

Kennedy Town-The revenue for the year which shows a decrease on last year's work- ing of $4,998.80 is made up as follows:-

21,266 Cattle slaughtered 16,764 Sheep slaughtered 148,216 Swine slaughtered

27,433 Cattle exported 10,796 Sheep exported 13,250 Swine exported 1 Duplicate order

Total,

@40 cents each, $ 8,506.40

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3,352,80

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44,464.80

50

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13,716.50

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1,079.60

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1,325.00 .25

$72,445.35