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35
I have to report that the Boats inspected by me during the year, with
the exceptions reported, have been found in a most satisfactory condition,
and the healthy state of the occupants is a pleasure to record.
The steps taken to secure compliance with the Acts and Regulations by
means of Notices and Cectificates have been the means of clearing 41 of
the 61 contraventions found, and with respect to the 20 outstanding contraventions,
which were found on 13 Boats, on 7 of these I am assured the
contraventions have been remedied, as regards the remaining 7, no information
has been received.
The 8 outstanding contraventions mentioned in last year's report have
all been remedied. On the 3rd of December, 1904, a case of Infectious
Disease (Erysipelas) was notified of a male person resident on the Boat
" Perseverance", no further particulars were given, and after considerable
enquiry by the Medical Officer of Health, and myself, it was found that
the boat had proceeded on its journey. I then wrote the Canal Boat Inspector
of the district in which the boat was alleged to stop at, but have no information
that the boat has yet been met with.
With reference to the contravention from insufficient ventilation, following
upon my report of 1903, I find the Registration Authorities appear to differ
as to the necessary requirement to prevent the Ventilation in bulk-head
being blocked ; in some cases iron shields of a satisfactory nature have been
supplied, in other cases two small blocks of wood, which are futile so far as I
have witnessed; the last mentioned provision, not suggested by me, arose out
of a letter, as mentioned in my previous report, to one of the large firms of
carriers.
As a matter affecting the comforts of the Canal Boat population, it would
appear necessary that sufficient sanitary accommodation should be provided
at the wharves of places of stoppage ; in this District I find this is provided
for men, but not for woman and children; the question arises, who is
responsible for this? As Inspector of Nuisances I am not in a position to
report any serious nuisance from this cause, yet I submit the need is great.
Jas. I. SMITH,
Canal Boat Inspector.