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There were one or two cases of attempted evasion of the regulations by
detained passengers who escaped from the vessel, but in each case the person
was traced by the master of the vessel and brought back to the ship. These
persons were liable to a penalty not exceeding one hundred pounds, but legal
proceedings were not taken as there was no evidence of wilful neglect, and the
trouble and expense entailed in tracing the fugitives had had the effect of
teaching the master and officers a severe lesson.
It is extremely probable, however, that during next year Cholera will
reappear on the Continent in the Autumn, especially if the weather should be
warm, in which event it will be necessary to observe strictly every possible
precaution to ensure that persons coming from infected ports are kept under
observation, during the incubation period of the disease, after landing in this
country.
It may be necessary to place greater restrictions on the landing of alien
immigrants. Those going to the Provinces may have to remain on board
until the Medical Officer of Health of the district in which the address given
is situated has been communicated with, and information received from him
to the effect that such persons are known or are expected to arrive at the
addresses given.
The Aliens Act, 1905, may also afford an additional safeguard; a heavy
penalty may be inflicted and even sentence of imprisonment may be passed on
those who give incorrect information.
The Portuguese authorities at the Azores refused to admit cargo from
Hamburg which had been transhipped in London, unless it was accompanied
by a certificate from the Medical Officer of Health of the Port of London
to the effect that such cargo had been duly fumigated and disinfected to his satisfaction.
The owners of the cargo having duly indemnified the Port Sanitary
Authority and its officers against claims for any damage, actual or alleged, that
might be done, the fumigation was carried out, and an official certificate to
that effect was issued, vised by the Portuguese Consul-Greneral, and conveyed
to the Azores in the ship.
This disease has been prevalent also in China, India, Japan, Philippine
Islands and Straits Settlements, but no actual or suspected cases were brought
into the Port of London, although the following cases occurred on vessels
arriving here:—