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The number of loads similarly dealt with in previous years was
Loads.
1897 325
1898 250
1899 452
1900 312
1901 253
1902 362
Average 326
Where practicable, the material was burnt in the Destructor at Letts'
Wharf, otherwise it was removed in barges and buried at a suitable place down
the River, under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health of the Port,
who was duly notified in each instance when the barge left the wharf for its
destination down stream. In some instances, when food had become unsound
in bonded warehouses, it was released from duty and destroyed in the
presence of an Inspector of His Majesty's Customs.
Difficulties rarely occur with the Wharfingers, who are generally anxious
to assist the Department in the inspection of imported food, and most of them
employ experts to periodically overhaul the goods in store. Your Officers are
not infrequently asked to advise as to the quality of goods, and any case of
doubt or difficulty is at once referred to your Medical Officer of Health.
In April last it was reported to the Court of Common Council that the
Local Government Board had decided to hold an Inquiry at Guildhall, by one
of the Inspectors of the Board, as to the proposed extension of the jurisdiction
of the Corporation, as the Port of London Sanitary Authority, in the matter
of unsound food, by the inclusion of wharves forming part of or abutting on
the Port.
As this involved the jurisdiction of your Worshipful Committee over the
various wharves and landing places within the City limits, your Medical
Officer was instructed to give evidence as to the means adopted by the
Corporation for the inspection of food thereat.