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75
NUISANCES.
Following the system adopted last year, the nuisances found on vessels
have been kept distinct from those discovered elsewhere, and are dealt with in
Tables XXV. and XXVI. respectively.
The total number of nuisances discovered on vessels was 4,042 against
4,095 in the previous year, but the total number of vessels structurally
defective was, in 1906, 396, as against 333 in the previous twelve months.
The largest number of complaints will be seen to be with regard to the
dirty condition of the quarters occupied by seamen and firemen, while other
nuisances were in regard to ventilation, lighting and heating, leaky decks, &c.
Smoke nuisances to the number of 231 were received and dealt with. This
number is less than in 1905, when it was 257.
With regard to the premises other than vessels, the total number dealt with
during the year was 340 as against 237 in 1905.
The largest proportion is, as in the case of vessels, complaints with regard
to the generally dirty condition of sundry premises.
Twenty-eight related to smoke, of which number 11 were recurrences, 16
related to the condition of sanitary conveniences, and 15 to accumulations of
offensive matter.
In dealing with these nuisances, written intimations to the number of 562
were sent, while 159 Statutory Notices were served.
A steamship of 7,530 tons register, built at Belfast in 1905, has recently
been inspected in this port. It was found that no accommodation was
provided for the storage of provisions, which are issued for the use of the
native crew. As a result, in the quarters occupied by the native crew, a
carcass of a sheep was found lying across a barrel partly filled with flour,
potatoes and other vegetables, bread, &c., were found in the bunks, and bags
of rice, &c., were lying about the quarters.
The tanks containing the drinking water for the native crew were fitted in
the closets on each side, with taps through the bulkhead. In order to fill the
tanks a person had to enter the closet and fill them by removing covers
twelve inches in diameter. The covers were off at the time of inspection,
and the water was in consequence exposed to the tainted air.
The defects were brought to the notice of the Marine Superintendent, who
has given instructions to have them remedied at once.
It is strange that this arrangement of storing the drinking water could have
been considered satisfactory by the Authority concerned with the registration
of the vessel.