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13
With regard to the hospital arrangements for the Port, as I have repeatedly
pointed out, it is still obviously and dangerously incomplete, since it lacks
separate and distinct accommodation for small-pox apart from other infectious
cases.
This is an absolutely necessary provision, inasmuch as it is not justifiable
to treat other diseases under the same roof with small-pox. The only safe
plan would be to build a small and inexpensive ward, to contain four or six
beds, at a safe distance from the other buildings, to be used for treatment of
small-pox only.
The experience of the present buildings leads to the conclusion that this
erection should be of as light a construction as possible, on a platform raised
two or three feet above the ground.
Unless such ward be provided, sooner or later trouble is almost certain to
occur from the extension of disease.
THE SHIPPING FEDERATION.
The early part of the year was marked by a severe struggle between shipowners
and dock labourers.
Those owners who refused to work with the Union were under the
necessity of housing their free labourers within the dock premises, and
accordingly several ships and sheds were fitted to accommodate them.
The Port Sanitary obviously had no concern in the cause of the struggle,
nor in the rights of the respective contentions, but simply in the control of the
sanitary arrangements and administration.
At the first the steam ship "Scotland" was fitted without any reference to
your officers, and was then believed to be only a temporary shelter.
As soon, however, as it was found that the housing would have to be continued
for weeks or even months, the Authorities were informed that, inasmuch
as these vessels were within the jurisdiction of the Corporation, a grave
responsibility would rest upon its officers if disease should appear among
their inhabitants in consequence of neglect of proper sanitary precautions.
.
The Shipping Federation, realising that such an event would be absolutely
disastrous, at once agreed to follow in every detail the instructions of your
officers, and thus part with their responsibility to a, great extent. This
threw a large amount of novel and anxious work upon your staff.