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Nuisances (General).
The total number of dilapidations and structural defects reported was 629,
this number involving structural alterations and repairs on 541 vessels, &c.,
while the total number of structural alterations and repairs known to have
been carried out was 510, or 81.08 per cent. of the total number ordered.
In the case of insanitary barges, 75 nuisances were reported. In 57 cases
Statutory Notice was given, and only nine recurrences were reported. Police
Court proceedings were taken in five cases of smoke nuisances, and in one case
of infringement of the Bye-laws of the Port Sanitary Authority relating
to Offensive Cargoes (see Appendix H).
It will be seen that these nuisances necessitated the issue and service of 959
written intimations, and Statutory Notices. It should be noted with regard
to " written intimations," that the primary warning only is referred to.
Table IX., which is now presented for the first time, forms an interesting
and improved abstract of the work of the Authority in the abatement of
nuisances.
Barges with Offensive Cargoes.
The question of the welfare of persons employed on barges engaged in
carrying offensive cargoes has received, during the past year, considerable
attention at the hands of your Officers.
In my last Annual Report I referred to this subject, and recommended strongly
that barges should be brought within the scope of operation of the Canal Boats
Act. If this were done they would have to comply with the requirements of
the Canal Boats Acts and the Regulations made thereunder, the most important
of which would be compulsory registration and the provision of a double
water-tight bulkhead in those barges carrying offensive cargoes, e.g., house
refuse, stable manure, and road sweepings.
The construction of these barges usually is as follows : Each barge consists
of a fore-cabin, hold, and an after-cabin. The fore-cabin is generally used for
stores, and is only occasionally used. The after-cabin, which is approached by
a companion ladder, is occupied by the master and crew, which usually
consists of one person besides himself. It is frequently the practice of the
master during the summer months to be accompanied by his wife and children,
and then it is assumed that the other member of the crew sleeps in the forecabin.
These cabins are separated from the hold by a single bulkhead, which
only extends as far as the inner skin of the vessel at the side and to the floor
of the cabin, so that it is possible for offensive liquids, gases, &c., to pass from
the hold through the space between the two skins of the vessel and under the
cabin floor into the cabin, and it is usually found that the space under the
cabin floor contains a variable quantity of more or less filthy and offensive
liquid.
It has frequently been observed when carrying house refuse, especially in
the summer time, the stench in the cabin is unbearable, whilst maggots and