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and engines then in use, was probably three times as large as it is now, so that
the large amount of space is due to the reduction in number of men required.
This also applies to deck-hands, owing to the adoption of steam steering
gear and other labour-saving appliances.
But as this reduction of hands comes about but slowly, and cannot be carried
far, if at all, beyond the present low limit, it is useless to reckon upon it as a
relief to overcrowding.
On most new vessels one can see that economy of space is the order of the
day, and old vessels having extensive alterations carried out leave the builders''
yards with diminished space for the crews.
Hence the extreme importance of at once considering this question with a
view to the amendment of the law with respect to the crew's accommodation
in all vessels to be built or remodelled in the future.
More space is urgently required, and, in addition to this extension, both of
area and cubic capacity, the insulation of iron interiors, both at the sides and
overhead, should be made compulsory.
A minimum of 16 square feet deck space clear of the bunks and all incumbrances,
Avith a height of not less than six feet would be a reasonable one,
and would, I feel certain, be cordially accepted by all the better class of shipowners.
The law would protect the seamen against all others.
Especially is this increased space required for officers and petty officers who,
in the interests of the owners, should certainly be treated better even than the
sailors and firemen, but who at the present time not only actually receive less
consideration in this respect, but are also precluded by their position from
complaining of the inconvenience to which they have to submit.
SMALL-POX.
While London has happily been practically free from small-pox during the
half-year, several cases have been imported in vessels arriving from foreign
parts.
On the 12th November the steam ship " Blairmount" came in with a
case on board.
He was at once removed to the Port Sanitary Hospital, with all his effects,
the vessel fumigated, and re-vaccination offered gratuitously to the rest of the
crew, but, as usual, advantage was not taken of the latter precaution. The
ship left Genoa on the 2nd October and arrived on the 6th at Catacola,
leaving on the 9th for Patras, which she reached the same day.
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