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35
male or female; or a man, wife or four children ; or man, wife and boy
over 14.
As a consequence, the master of the boat is quite unaware of the number
which he may lawfully carry.
The simplest and best plan is to give the number of adults which may be
carried, each child being reckoned as half an adult, and subject only to the
regulation as to the mixing of the sexes.
This would only necessitate the alteration of the cubic space allowed per
adult head from 60 to 80 feet, an amount which cannot from any point of
view be considered excessive.
Happily I have to record no case of infectious disease during the twelve
months.
The Acts continue to be popular among those whom they are intended to
protect, and are fairly well complied with by the owners.
The condition of the boatmen is improving, and will do so more quickly
in proportion as the children are kept on shore, and come under the influence
of national education, when they will then no longer be contented to be on
a lower level than the corresponding class on shore.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
WILLIAM COLLINGRIDGE, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health, Port of London.