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7
PORT OF LONDON SANITARY OFFICES,
GREENWICH, S.E.
TO THE WORSHIPFUL THE PORT OF LONDON
SANITARY COMMITTEE.
Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present herewith my Annual Report for the
year ending 31st December, 1906, being the fifth of the series.
The result of the work carried out by the Staff is shown in figures which
are tabulated under their respective headings. Viewed generally, these show
a condition of steady progress.
Notwithstanding that the number of vessels arriving at Gravesend from
foreign ports was less than during the year 1905, there was an actual increase
of trade in the Port of London during the year. It appears from figures
supplied by the Thames Conservancy that there was a substantial increase in
the amount of tonnage entering the Port.
Considerable and special attention has been paid to the inspection of that
class of vessel employed wholly on inland waters, namely, canal boats,
barges and the like, with satisfactory results.
It should, however, be noted that a much larger number of these boats has
been inspected during the past year than in any previous year, and that this
fact is also related to the increase in trade previously mentioned.
Improvements in the sanitary condition of barges and like craft are
becoming more general. Owners and lightermen are beginning to appreciate
the importance of attention to this point, especially in those vessels engaged
in the carriage of foul and offensive cargoes. Details of these will be found
under the heading devoted to nuisances on vessels.
Growth in another direction of the work of the Authority is shown in the
ections dealing with nuisances on shore, drainage and other sanitary works.
(See Tables XXVI. and XXVII.)