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circumstances the master was summoned for breach of the Local Government
Board Regulations, and convicted. The fine and costs amounted to 71.
(See Appendix L.)
On the 22nd November, the s.s. " Arabia," of Greenock, arrived at Gravesend,
from Bombay. A Lascar was found with feverish symptoms and a bubo.
He was removed to Denton Hospital for observation, a case of Plague
having been landed at Bombay before the vessel sailed for England.
Bacteriological examination, however, failed to demonstrate the existence of
Plague in this case.
DESTRUCTION OF RATS.
The precautions adopted with a view to minimise the risk of the introduction
of Plague by means of rats have been rigidly enforced, and the
capture and destruction of the vermin have been kept under close observation
and control by your Officers for nearly two years past. Up to the 31st
December last, a grand total of nearly 186,000 rats, has been accounted for
and destroyed. (See Appendix T.)
The whole of this work has been carried out by the Dock Companies and
Shipowners in their own interests, and without involving any expense to the
Port Sanitary Authority.
I use the expression " in their own interests," for it cannot be too strongly
impressed on shipowners that should cases of Plague occur in London, or even
rats be found in the Docks suffering from Plague, Continental countries would
at once impose quarantine on ships sailing from the Port of London, entailing
much interference with trade and financial loss to the owners of vessels.
SMALL-POX.
The total number of cases reported during the year was 93, of which
number 29 were admitted and treated in the Port Sanitary Hospital.
(Table D.)
The epidemic which was existing in London at the end of 1901 continued
during the early part of 1902, finally dying out in the second quarter of tue
year.
It was very prevalent in Poplar, Bermondsey, and other riverside districts,
and naturally several cases were met with which had been contracted during
brier visits on shore.