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64
NUISANCES.
By the preceding Tables it will be seen that a total number of 3,952 nuisances were
dealt with during the year—this involving the sending of 389 intimations, whilst
6 statutory notices were served.
By far the largest proportion of nuisances reported were of a minor character on
vessels, which did not involve other than verbal instructions in order to bring about
their abatement.
Of smoke nuisances, 162 complaints were received with regard to vessels, and
15 with regard to premises on shore.
Formal warning was sent in each case, with the result that in no instance was there
any recurrence of the nuisance.
RIVER THAMES.
On August 2nd, the water between Barking and Crossness was discoloured and
gave forth offensive odours. The condition was probably due to the hot weather and
drought, which led to a diminished flow of water over Teddington Weir, and through
the other tributaries of the Thames below Teddington.
On July 28th, a complaint was received from the Medical Officer of Health for
Barnes Urban District Council, of a nuisance arising from quantities of dead fish upon
the foreshore of the river. The place was at once inspected, when it was found that a
very large nnmber of dead fish had been washed up on the banks of the river, and
that a nuisance existed. The removal of this fish was a matter for the Port of London
Authority to deal with, and on being communicated with they at once took steps to
have this done, and the nuisance was accordingly abated.
The dock water has remained in good condition, and there has been no recurrence
of the offensive condition noticed in the Millwall and West India docks in former years.
I have to report that the s.s. "Nimrod," of London, 55047, arrived from Siberia
on the 8th October, having on board two dogs and a live deer. One of the dogs
subsequently died and caused a nuisance on board ; the carcass was burnt in the ship's
furnace.
I might add that these animals were kept in the quarters formerly occupied by the
crew, and their presence there created a nuisance. I communicated with the owners of
the vessel respecting this matter, and on the 19th October, it was found that the animals
had been removed to the upper deck. The quarters were also thoroughly cleansed and
disinfected.
The reindeer died on the 5th November, and the body was burnt in the ship's
furnace on the 6th.
The live dog was removed and placed in quarantine in accordance with the
requirements of the Board of Agriculture.
BYELAWS.—OFFENSIVE CARGOES.
Nineteen cases of infringement of the above-mentioned Bye-laws were reported
during the year. A written Notice was sent to the owners of the barges.
The barge "Serapis" arrived at Greenhithe on July 1st, loaded with manure,
which at the time was securely covered. The barge was allowed to remain there until
the 6th, when the process of discharging began.