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49
and the bunks and bedding were dirty, caused by smoke and dust from the stove. The
construction of the forecastle, from a sanitary point of view, would not appear to be
good.
The sailors' quarters are certified for eight men, and during the voyage, it was
stated, were occupied by nine men, an extra bunk having been fitted up across forward
bulkhead. A ventilator was used as an outlet for a stove pipe.
Cook's berth, certified for three men, occupied by four men. Stewards' berths
certified for six men, has only one six-inch ventilator, which is placed immediately over
a bunk.
Donkeyman's, Storekeeper's, Carpenter's and Boatswain's berths and closets are
not properly drained. Third and fourth Engineers' berth opens directly into the
engine-room, where the temperature often reached 105 degrees in the tropics. The
fourth Engineer's berth was underneath that of the third, and it must have been
impossible to sleep in during hot weather.
This is a new vessel, and will be employed in tropical climates. The quarters
were inspected by your Chairman and Medical Officer, and formal intimation was
served upon the owners.
The accommodation, &c., provided for the Troops engaged in guarding the dock,
have all been inspected, and a few suggestions for improving the same have been made
to the Port of London Authority, who have readily agreed to do what is necessary.
On an inspection of the s.s. " Oakby," of West Hartlepool, 106,960, the water-closet
(of the trough pattern) was found without any means of flushing. The trough was
partly filled with soil, and a nuisance.
In an interview with the Marine Superintendent of the Company it was pointed
out to him how the nuisance could be abated, and any recurrence prevented.