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214
The shortness of water at the Tring summit of the Grand
Junction Canal, during the summer of 1902, caused delay to
canal boats working between the Midlands and London, and on
this account I understand that the boat masters in some instances
had to bring their women-folk to assist in working the boats.
This may account in some measure for the increase of women
found on these boats in 1902.
Pollution of the Canal.— During the year
I made two careful inspections (November 10th and
13th) of the City Road Basin of the Regent's Canal, which
is the only portion of the Canal lying within the
boundary of the Borough of Finsbury. I have to report
that I find myself in general agreement with the. opinions
expressed in the letter from the Clerk to the London County
Council, dated November 4th, namely, that the water shows
signs of considerable pollution. The depth of the Canal varies
from 4 or 5 feet to 6 or 8 feet. The bottom is covered with a
thick sludge, which in one place measured more than 18 inches.
It consists of putrefying animal and vegetable matter from
which bubbles of gas are almost continually rising. When stirred
up the condition is extremely bad. In some parts the water
always appears to be black and considerably charged with
pollution, in other places it is comparatively clear. It would
seem that this is almost unavoidable in a cul de sac like the City
Road Basin.
The origin of the pollution is twofold. First, it is due to
refuse from the wharves, and, secondly, to refuse from the boats.
The latter is, probably, inconsiderable. In respect to the former,
it will be remembered that there are about 50 wharves (see
Annual Report of Medical Officer, 1901, pp. 153-156), ten or a
dozen of which might readily add pollution to the Canal, and at
three of which boats load offensive cargo. It is inevitable that
some pollution must occur from this source. I have received
complaints in particular of one wharf belonging to this Borough
Council and the one wharf belonging to the Islington Borough