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At the same time it is, naturally, almost impossible to obtain a conviction
for the offence of carrying one, or even two, extra where the family are all young.
I have often shrunk from the responsibility of ordering a father to leave a
young girl, the eldest of a family, with friends or neighbours, on shore, or the
alternative of requiring the infant to be removed from the boat.
In spite of what has been done to render canal-boat life more civilized,
and more in accordance with the requirements of modern ideas of humanity
and common decency, there can be no question that it is not an existence
which is in any way desirable for either women or children ; and the sooner
this is clearly realized the better for the physique and morals of the rising
generation. Nearly every woman on a canal boat will tell the same story :
"It is not fit for us or our children, but what are we to do ? "
The failure of the Education Acts to reach these children is quite a
sufficient argument for this view.
In twenty-five instances boats have been found without the proper certificates
on board, and, on inquiry in all, this was due to either carelessness on the part of
the owners (which was at once remedied), or to ignorance on the part of the
masters, in which case a warning has always been found sufficient.
In none of these cases was there found any other breach of the Act, and
therefore no proceedings were necessary.
No case of infectious disease has come under my notice in the port during
the past twelve months, and none has been reported to me by any other
Authority.
In five instances it has been found necessary to take out summonses, the
master only being prosecuted in all. Four of these were for indecent occupation,
under Regulation III. b., and the master in each case was fined ; the fines
with costs ranging from 5s. &d. to 16s. 6for a poor man (see Appendix II). I give, very briefly, particulars of these
cases :—
The " Violet " was registered for man, wife, and two children ; and was
occupied by man, wife, and two boys, both being 16 years of age.
The " Caroline," registered for three men ; was occupied by man, wife,
child of two, and girl of 15 years.
" Alice," registered for man, wife, and two children ; was occupied by
master, his wife, and boy of 15 years.
" Harry," registered for man, wife, and two children ; was occupied by
master, his wife, her sister, 20 years old, and boy of 11 years.
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