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In each case the plans were submitted before being carried out, and the
utmost amount of cubic space given per head. All the details of ventilation,
lighting, warming, and lavatory accommodation were settled.
When completed and in use, the whole of the quarters, whether on board or
on shore, were daily visited, and their sanitary condition carefully watched.
In all 1,392 berths were occupied, and it is satisfactory to note that every
suggestion was at once carried out, that the accommodation throughout was
ample and excellent, and finally, that no infectious disease of any kind
appeared.
These details are so interesting that I give them briefly below.
The "Lady Jocelyn," an iron spar-decked sailing ship of 2,138 tons
(built in 1852), was used from 13th February to 3rd April.
Twenty-five labourers were at first lodged in the forecastle and adjoining
petty officers' cabins, and the purser, paymaster, and the Metropolitan Police
found accommodation in the saloon and state-rooms.
As the number of men increased, greater space was required, and the after
tween decks fitted up for 114 men.
The greatest number that slept on board at one time was 110.
Lavatory accommodation was provided on the spar deck in a speciallyconstructed
house.
Latrine convenience was found in one of the Dock Company's public
closets.
Light and air were admitted by two hatchways and twelve side scuttles,
equal to 62 square feet.
The space in forecastle and saloon was ample, and the measurement of
after 'tween decks showed—
2,976 feet floor space = 26 square feet per head.
22,320 cubic feet = 196 cubic feet per head.
Heat was provided by two slow combustion stoves.
Steam ship "Scotland," an iron screw steamer of 1,694 tons (built in
1869), was used from 20th December, 1890, to 10th April, 1891.
The entire 'tween deck space was cleaned and limewashed and bunks
erected for 200 men.
Extra bunks were added from time to time, till the total reached 416.
The same space had been used for the accommodation of 700 emigrants.