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"the smoke arising therefrom is not effectually consumed or burnt, the owne.
"or master of such vessel shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds
"and on a second conviction to a fine of ten pounds, and on every subsequent
"conviction to a fine of double the amount of the fine imposed on the last
"preceding conviction. This Section shall extend to the Port of London,
"and as respects the port shall be enforced by the Port Sanitary Authority."
his, then, constitutes a new duty and a new responsibility, and, moreover,
one very difficult to deal with.
Unfortunately it applies only to vessels plying to places westward of the
Nore, all passing beyond this point being exempt, although it is from these
latter that the worst nuisance has hitherto been experienced.
CREWS' SPACES.
In my last Report I called attention to the necessity for an amendment of
the Shipping Act, 1867, so far as relates to the cubic spaces allowed to each
seaman.
Since then the Medical Officers of Health of the larger ports, at a
Conference held at Hull, drew up a Memorial for presentation to the Board
of Trade, which was sent to every Port Sanitary Authority, asking for
signature.
This Memorial asks—
(1.) For an extension of the cubic space from 72 feet to 150.
(2.) The lining of iron forecastles overhead with wood; and
(3.) The provision of lavatory and bath accommodation for the crew.
The Corporation is obviously unable to sign or address any Memorial to
the Board of Trade, and a reference has therefore been made to a SubCommittee
to draw up a letter to the Board, setting forth what amendments
to the Act are deemed advisable. Such a procedure will have the same weight
as the Memorial.
The question is a pressing one, and, moreover, demands very careful
consideration.
(2) is undoubtedly necessary, though in my opinion ample powers already
exist for dealing with it.
Where unlined iron exists over men's bunks, the condensation or "sweating,"
as it is usually called, due to deposition of moisture on change of temperature,
by saturating bedding and clothing, undoubtedly causes a nuisance injurious
and dangerous to health, and it has always been the practice in the Port of
London to deal with it as such, with a fair amount of success.