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There was considerable doubt as to who was the legal Master or owner of
the boat. A statement made to the Inspector was that the boat had been left
to the elder daughter, who was working it with the assistance of her grown-up
brothers, but there was no evidence of this, and the boat had not been
re-registered in the name of either party. It was therefore considered that in
all probability a conviction would not follow proceedings.
In the meantime the boat had left the Port, and her whereabouts again
became unknown. The boat appears to visit this Port about twice a year.
(6) and (7.) No cases of infectious disease have been met with on any canal
boats during the year, and it has not been necessary to detain any boat for
cleansing or disinfection.
(8.) The total number of boats registered by this Authority since 1887 is
414. Of these, 136 registrations have been cancelled. The actual number
remaining on the Register to the 31st December, 1903, being 278.
(9.) No new boats have been registered during the year, but eight have
been re-registered—three for structural alterations, and five for other reasons.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
HERBERT WILLIAMS,
Medical Officer of Health, Port of London.