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61
A deputation of the Coal Smoke Abatement Society attended a meeting of
the Port Sanitary Committee and urged them to take action against the
owners of chimneys emitting dense black smoke. These chimneys were not
situated within the jurisdiction of the Port Sanitary Authority, and it was
pointed out that it would be necessary to prove that a nuisance was caused to
the inhabitants of the Port Sanitary district, but if the Coal Smoke
Abatement Society would forward to the Medical Officer of Health a list of
such chimneys offending, these would be kept under observation, and if
•evidence of nuisance could be obtained, the matter would be placed in the
hands of the City Solicitor for the necessary legal action to be taken. From
time to time long lists have been received, especially as to smoke emitted from
chimneys situated in West Ham ; but although the result of the Port
Sanitary Inspectors' observations confirmed that of the Coal Smoke Abatement
Society's Inspectors, yet in no instance was it found possible to obtain the
evidence necessary to procure a conviction.
The structural alterations and defects in relation to living quarters on board
ships and habitations on shore are analysed in the Table, and shown against
the various headings under which they fall. As might perhaps be expected,
in the case of vessels, a large number appear under the headings of ventilation,
lighting, heating, leaky decks, defective hawsepipes, cable casings,
bulkheads and floors, and from the foul condition of bilges and peaks in
the immediate vicinity of crew's quarters. In the case of premises on shore,
from defective sanitary conveniences, accumulations of offensive matter, and
from defective drainage, foul cesspits and the like.
Improper vessels for the storage of water for drinking on board vessels
are not apparently so often met with now as formerly. Galvanised iron tanks
have, in practically all cases, superseded the old-fashioned and insanitary
wooden casks.
The total number of cases in which it was necessary to make orders with
regard to defective or dirty tanks or casks was 23 during the year.
That portion of the Table dealing especially with shore premises will be
found of use in reference to my remarks in another portion of the Report, in
which I have set forth the desirability of conferring upon the Port Sanitary
Authority further powers under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, for
the special purpose of dealing with these matters. (See also Table XVIII.,
page 63.)
With such powers as are sought, I am of opinion that many of the matters
referred to in these Tables could be more expeditiously and effectively dealt
with.