Weekly journal-miner., 1913-12-17

! dt all was Only 4lf cents per ca pita, per year Each individual spends less than one car fare, or the cost Of glass of soda, every year. to protect the most important food in the world. II is surprising that so little interest is manifested by the average consumer?
 Milk Inspectors Poorly Paid.
 In many places the position of milk inspector is so poorly paid that it attracts only political ward heelers, hungry for any crumb from { the loaf of the commonwealth. l wish to say that emphatically that there must be a radical change ID he manner of appointing milk in spectors throughout the country, be fore the highest degree of efficiency can be attained. Political domina- ion must cease in public health work: the hands of the lifesaver must be free ii he is to battle sue Icessfully with the waves. Not all appointed inspectors are unfit, by any means; many of them are eff cient and conscientious, but the general system is wrong for two reasons: First, it allows the SC lection of men without any regard Tor their fitness, and second, 4
 sally means short terms, SO thA' -ew men are constantly taking ur the work, creating a state of chaos by the introduction of different sys- ems and ideas.
 Dairy and milk inspectors should Ne. most carefully selected. They
 r0uld combine at least four quaii cations; knowledge of sanitation knowledge of dairy practices, com mon sense and tact. Armed witt these weapons, they are fully equipped to conquer the hosts of ignorance and prejudice.
 Needed Laws.
 The laws that are enacted should measure up to certain standards: First, they should be uniform. Laws should be simple. Laws should be enforceable. Lastly, laws should be just and necessary.
 Bacterial Count Not Complete Safeguard.
 There are many adherents to the belief that meteorological exam ination of milk is sufficient. l can not agree with such a view for two reasons:
 First, a sanitary inspection is ab- solutely necessary in order that d definite knowledge may be obtained concerning sources of contamination. The character of the contamination can often be more accurately ana lyzed by a survey of the dairy operations than by bacteria count alone.
 Second, the farmer needs instruc- ton in improving conditions on his farm. The report of bacteria count will show that something is wrong but will not point out the defective method responsible for the trouble
 Undeniably, a system of inspec ton Is best that combines a sani- tary inspection and a bacteria count used as checks each on the other
 From a somewhat wide expert ence I feel very strongly that the score card is the best instrument for carrying on an efficient sanitary inspection.
 The Sediment Test.
 The sediment test I consider most valuable as a means of demonstrat- ;ng carelessness in milk production But farmers may learn to strain their milk carefully so that it shows little sediment and still the milk may be bacteriologically very bad. Or a milk, clean in the beginning. nay be so poorly refrigerated that 1 t has a high bacteria count. Sedi- | rent does not by any means, mean that the milk is clean and fit for use.
 City Inspection Needed.
 In concluding, l should like to say just a word as to inspections 'n the city. No matter what safe Erards may be thrown around the production of milk. if it is careless. 'v dispensed in the city, the good | ay all be undone A frequent iault is to expend so much energy | on country inspection that the equally important subject of city inspection is neglected.
 The store milk evil is a great one at the present time. A number of cities still allow bulk" or loose" milk and many of them lay no re- straining hand upon the filthy prac-