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taken out at the end of the specified time in case of refusal, without the
necessity of serving a second notice. At the same time, by offering to
fumigate without expense, uniformity and thoroughness are ensured.
Fumigation, to be efficient, must be very thorough, and cannot easily be
satisfactory unless performed by those who have had special experience and
training.
Generally speaking, the quantity of sulphur employed is far too small, and
the time of exposure to its action too short, and thus what should be a
protection becomes not simply a farce but an actual danger, inasmuch as it
creates a feeling of confidence and security for which there is no real
foundation.
As an instance of this, I may quote the case of the master of a large vessel
who was perfectly satisfied with the fumigation of a space of nearly 40,000
cubic feet with five pounds of sulphur burning therein for about one hour,
whereas a reasonable quantity would be nearly ½ cwt., and the time about
five hours.
The number of structural alterations required for the improvement of the
hygienic condition of vessels gradually increases, but happily the willingness
of masters and owners to comply with these requirements fully keeps pace
with our demands. In 224 vessels 265 such alterations have been made. Of
these, 114 were for the purpose of giving increased ventilation in various
parts of the vessel, 19 required the provision of new water-tanks or vessels to
replace those condemned as unfit for use, and 132 related to alterations
required for improved lighting, heating, and means for ensuring cleanliness.
See Appendix E.
In 133 cases alterations have been ordered, but not yet returned as
carried out.
THE RIVER.
The condition of the river water, owing to the low temperature, has
happily not been so continuously bad as in former seasons. The temporary
measures which the Board of Works are adopting seem, however, to have
practically no effect in checking the serious nuisance which presents itself
whenever the temperature rises even for a short time.
Sir Henry Roscoe, who was consulted by the Board of Works on the
question, in an elaborate and exhaustive report arrives at the following
important conclusion :—
" I feel that sooner or later the recommendations of Lord Bramwell's
" Commission (see conclusions 10 and 13 in the Report of the Royal Com-