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On the 8th August, 1906, the canal boat "Joseph," registered at
Berkhampstead, No, 363, was inspected, when it was found that the after
cabin was occupied by one person in excess of the number for which it is
registered; and further, that this cabin, while occupied as a sleeping place by
the master and his wife, was also occupied as a sleeping place by another
person of the female sex above the age of twelve years, namely, a daughter
fifteen years of age.
The infringements of the Acts and Regulations were brought to the notice
of the owner of the boat on the 9th August, when he was called upon to
remedy the same.
The boat was again inspected on the 30th August, when it was found that
the infringements still continued; and further, that the fore cabin was not in
a habitable condition, inasmuch as the top was leaky and the cabin was in a
dirty condition.
This was one of the cases referred to Mr. Solicitor, and the owner took
steps to have the girl removed and the necessary repairs done.
No case of infectious disease has been met with during the year on any
canal boat in the Port.
Only one boat was met with which had no proper provision for carrying a
supply of water for drinking.
It will be seen that this compares very favourably with the experience of
previous years, and it undoubtedly indicates that much more attention is paid
to this important part of a canal boat's equipment than was formerly the
practice.
For many years past your officers have invariably insisted upon adequate
provision of this kind being made upon every boat registered or met with in
the Port, and it will appear that this course is now producing a definite and
satisfactory result.
A case of some interest with regard to the registration of a boat occurred
during the year.
On the 18th June, 1906, the canal boat "Providence," registered at
Rotherhithe, No. 22, was met with, but no certificate of registration could be
produced, The owner was communicated with, and he having no certificate,
applied to the Rotherhithe Registration Authority for a copy of his certificate.
He found that Rotherhithe as a Registration Authority under the Canal Boats
Acts no longer existed.