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83
muster and his wife. The fore cabin, which was not registered for occupation,
was occupied by a person of the male sex above the age of fourteen years,
namely, the father of the master. The occupations of the fore cabins were
infringements of the Canal Boats Act, 1877, but these were occupied in order
to comply with the Canal Boats Regulations 111 (8b), which provide that:—
"A cabin occupied as a sleeping place by a husband and wife shall not
"at any time while in such occupation, be occupied as a sleeping place
"by any other person of the female sex above the age of twelve years,
"or by any person of the male sex above the age of fourteen years."
It is satisfactory to record that during the year no case was reported of a
boat not having a proper partition separating the sexes, and in not one instance
was it found that a person of the male or female sex over the legal age
occupied the same cabin with other adults.
The largest number of infringements reported were under the heading of
"cleanliness," no less than 35 being so reported.
In the case of four boats, the ventilation of the cabins was reported to be
deficient, This, however, was on unregistered boats, and the defects were
remedied before registration.
Two boats were reported as infringing the Regulations as regards painting,
which is required to be done once at least in every three years.
Twenty-nine boats were found in a dilapidated condition.
Five boats were without a suitable receptacle for the storage of not less
than three gallons of water for drinking purposes.
There were no cases of Infectious Disease notified, and in only one instance
was the authority of the Inspector to enter upon and examine the canal boat
questioned.
I have visited a large number of canal boats, and in every instance I have
found that the occupants welcome the appearance of the Inspector. They
took upon him as their friend, and indeed have freely stated in many cases
that without the aid of the officers of this Authority they would have been
unable to get many defects remedied, and they appreciate the action of the
Authority in looking after the welfare of the occupants of canal boats.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
HERBERT WILLIAMS,
Medical Officer of Health, Port of London