View report page

21
THE STAFF.
It is my duty to record with satisfaction the fact that two of your
Inspectors, Mr. Henry Spadaccini and Mr. William Baillie, have been
examined by the Sanitary Institute, and have received certificates of
competency to act as Inspectors of Nuisances.
This is a sound, practical, and theoretical test, and the fact of their being so
qualified is not only highly creditable to them, but cannot fail to be of value
to the Port Sanitary Authority.
CANAL BOATS.
I have the honour to report upon the working of the Canal Boats
Acts, 1877 and 1884, in the Port of London during the year 1888.
The work of inspection has been carried on as usual by the Inspectors in
charge of the various districts, who visit every canal boat met with in their
daily tour.
The number thus inspected during the year was 698, the number during
1887 being 721.
Inasmuch as every dock is visited daily, I am of opinion that very few
boats escape observation, except those, perhaps, which are simply passing
through the district en route for some other Canal ; as, for instance, those going
from the Surrey Canal and Regent's Canal up the river, or vice versd.
No doubt some of these, which merely pass through the docks and remain
in the district only a few hours, would not be visited by the Inspectors of the
Port Sanitary Authority.
As long, however, as they are visited at their starting point and again at
their destination but little advantage would accrue from an inspection during
the course of a short voyage. Moreover, I believe the number thus escaping
to be but small.
The knowledge of the provisions of the Acts, and the penalties incurred by
their violation, is gradually extending among the owners, and therefore less
difficulty arises with the masters.
These are, as a rule, uneducated men, many of them unable to read, and
but few caring to do so ; and, therefore, unless the owners thoroughly understand
that the Acts are to be carried out, breaches of regulation must
constantly be met with.
e