Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-03-17
STATE HOUSE.
Report Of Inspection Of
Maine Diaries.
Which Contribute to Milk Sup.
ply Of Massachusetts.
Present OuiIook Favorable for the
Spring Log Drive.
STATE HOUSE CALENDAR.
Next Meeting Of Governor and Council
Thursday, April z, at 10 A. M.

In the report OF the inspection of
Maine diaries shipping milk to Massa-
chusetts, which has just been issued
from the department Of agriculture in
response to an extract from the re-
mort of the Massachusetts State Board
of Health, which was early in Janu-
ary widely circulated through the
press, and in which Maine dairies
which contributed to the milk supply
Of that state were commented upon and
severely criticized, Commissioner Gill
man says:
1.-THE report states that milk houses
and milk rooms appear to be unknown
Investigation showed that 30 diaries
had good milk rooms, while So had
none. But in many cases where there
were TO milk rooms the milk cans
were submerged in water, in a shed
far enough from the stable or the
kitchen so that no offensive odors could
he absorbed. While these are not ideal
conditions, they are conditions where
good. understandable milk can be kept
with above an average degree of clean
hness. Only four dairymen were scored
off for improper storing of milk.
The healthfulness of the cows was
only evidence of disease We're swollen
udders in two cases, and bunch on
the hip in four other cases. 1t is an ac-
reptei fact that the dairy herds OF
Maine are freer from tuberculosis and
other objectionable disease than those
Of any other state in New England.
Commissioner Gilman further states
that his attention was called to the cir
80 ~
early in January, and that after con-
sultation with Leon S. Merrill Of So
Ion, the State dairy instructor. it was
decided that thorough investigation
Of the diaries should be made by Mr.
Merrill and his assistant. This investi-
cation was made and n complete,
comprehensive report was made to the
commissioner. In regard to the inSpec-
ton made by the Massachusetts Board
of Health. Mr.. Gilman says that in no
case was any record left with the far
mer, and in some instances the far
mers stated that neither they nor their
families knew that an inspection had
been made until they received a letter
informing them Of the fact.
In Mr.. Merrill's report It is shown
that by the September and October
bulletins of the Massachusetts Board
of Health. the Maine diaries scored
54 per cent higher than the Massachu-
sets daires. Another point which is
taken up by him is that in which the
review saws: while one fourth Of
them may be rated as somewhat be-
low fair about an equal number were
reported rs extremely dirty. the con-
dition Of some Of them being beyond
the power of description. both as to
cows and premises" Commenting on
the above and other portions of the re-
view. Nj. Merrill says in part:
This inspection being made during Il
time Of year when the cows were at
pasture the statement that some of
them were dirty beyond the power of
description is scarcely possible and
when considered by men who have
practical knowledge of such things.
really needs no refutation. 1t may be
we'll however. to give result Of the
actual inspection made at a tire. jan
uary and February. when the cows had
been kept in the barn for some time
and would be likely to show more dirt
than during the months of September
and October. In Al diaries the cows
We're every one clean. none Of them
having dirt. chaff or dust clinging to
them. and We're scored 100 per cent. of
the points allowed. Forty-four diaries
scored IS per cent. and the balance
above 80 per cent. of the points allow
ed for cleanliness. which is 10. In the
cleanliness of the tie-ups, so of tic
dairies scored above IS per cent Of
the POINTS allowed for perfect which is
u. and the balance from SIS to IS per-
cent.
The report says. AT six Of them.
gross pollution Of the water supply was
evident on inspection At Gorham
dairy,uan informed Mr.. Thompson that
he received letter from the Massachu-
sets Beard Of Health saying that his