Food-Handling Question For Malvern County

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30977, 5 February 1966, Page 21

Food-Handling Question For Malvern County

The standard of fond-hand,-ling premises in the county was discussed at yesterday’s meetog of the Malvern County Council.

Cr. W. R. Oliver said that before Christmas the Health Department had released a report which had referred to low standards in the county’s food-handling shops. Had there been developments? It was a fairly drastic report. •Things are still to be done,” said the Clerk (Mr B W. Perrin). “AH the shopkeepers are making an effort to improve conditions, doing some work each year. Progress so far has been good.” He said he would like to discuss the position with the department to find out just what it had in mind.

Criticism.—The Audit Department criticised the unit for overspending £2700 on items totalling £13.300 in its 1964-65 accounts. Cr. G. E Wright said the council had faced unforseen expenditure, particularly on water-races. Street Lights.— Proposals for improved street lights at Darfield and for 15 new lights were approved. In all, 38 mercury vapour lamps will be put in over the next three years, plus 21 sodium vapour lamps on the highway. Lawn Cemeteries.—The finance committee reported that it would inspect county cemeteries and recommend areas in each for lawn or foresttype use.

Water-races.—The . Engineer (Mr W. J. Bevis) reported that farmers who had planted crops right up to water-races had refused permission for race cleaning before the crops matured and that cattle had damaged race banks. The council deferred consideration.

Road Work.—Staff had been concentrated on the reconstruction and sealing of the highway between Windwhistle and the Rakaia bridge, said the Engineer. When plant was available an effort would be made to complete the reading programme. Hydatids.— The hydatids officer (Mr D. Priest) said that 2865 dogs had been tested in 1965, with 23 cases of true and 120 of false hydatids. The figures appeared to have improved.