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72
The firemen's quarters in the forecastle were certified for 24 men, and'
occupied by 30. I placed these facts before the Principal Officer of the Board
of Trade for possible action on his part in respect of overcrowding, lighting, &c.
INSANITARY BARGES.
The case of the barge "Thirza Little," is one of some interest.
Notice was first drawn to this barge in January, 1903, when she was
found loaded with an offensive cargo, which was the cause of a serious
nuisance in the cabin of the barge.
The owner having been warned in the usual manner, the matter was
subsequently brought to the notice of your Committee, and it was ordered
that a Notice be served upon the owner, which was done on the 7 th
February, 1903.
This appeared to have had some effect, for when next seen, the barge
was not carrying any offensive cargo, and no complaint was again made
until May, 1904, when the barge was again met with, this time carrying a
cargo of refuse matter largely consisting of dung.
A similar nuisance existed in the cabin, no steps having been taken to
properly disconnect the hold from the cabin by a proper bulkhead.
Your Committee again ordered a Notice to be served, which was
accordingly done on the 16th June, 1904.
From the subsequent record it Avould seem that up to the end of that year,
the barge was not employed in carrying offensive cargoes.
During 1905, the barge appears to have been employed in the Port of
London, but seldom, if at all.
In 1906, the barge was several times inspected, but on no occasion was any
offensive cargo found on board and no nuisance existed.
On the 11th June, 1907, however, the barge was found lying off Gravesend,
again laden with dung, and the same offensive conditions as formerly
complained of, no steps having been taken to render this vessel suitable for
the carriage of filthy matter.
In addition, the nuisance on this occasion was much aggravated by a
serious overcrowding of the cabin, which, although provided with but two
bunks, was occupied as a sleeping place by the master, his wife, two children,
and the mate, an adult male.