View report page

52
This launch has been in constant service throughout the year, having been called
upon not only for the usual work of inspections, removal of infectious diseases, &c.,
but for a considerable amount of work in the form of towage of the fumigating plant to
various parts of the Port, involving absence of launch and crew from the Gravesend
station on occasions for more than twenty-four hours.
In these circumstances, provision for the removal of any case of infectious disease
which might arrive required careful arrangement.
At the end of the year, evidence of this continual work was apparent in the worn
state of the tail shaft, and an opportunity had to be sought for stopping the boat as
soon as possible. In other respects, this launch continues in a seaworthy and efficient
condition.
"George Briggs."—This motor launch has had to cope with the work of
inspection between Woolwich and London Bridge. In covering this ground a certain
amount of fuel is necessarily consumed, which does not vary considerably. When the
restrictions upon the use of motor spirit were enforced the quantity allowed to this
launch by the Petrol Control Committee was reduced, in 1916, to 60 per cent., and in
1917 to 40 per cent. of the original consumption.
These restrictions meant simply that the movement of the boat had to be curtailed
in proportion. It is therefore not surprising to find that the total number of
inspections fell in 1916 to 50 per cent., and in 1917 to 40 per cent. of the total for the
year 1915. Other factors operated, of course, but the significance of the reduction of
fuel predominates.
It was necessary in the latter part of the year to run the launch on three days per
week only, for no other reason than to conserve the stock of fuel.
Charges for repairs and upkeep in respect of this launch have been moderate during
the year.
The unsuitability of the boat for relief work on the Gravesend station is
occasionally a cause of inconvenience.
"Hygeia."—A. Salter (Shipkeeper) was absent on sick leave from 5th January to
the 5th March. He was admitted to Denton Hospital for treatment. The nature of
his illness, while not confining him to a room, excluded him from the performance of
his customary duties on the hulk, but did not prevent his carrying out useful service
about the Hospital during such time as treatment was required.
The best interests of all parties were thus served.
STAFF.
Inspectors.—Inspector H. Spadaccini, Senior Food Inspector, who reached the
age of 65 years on the 25th May, resigned his appointment on the 8th November.
Inspector A. Garland, who had acted as his Assistant, was appointed Food Inspector for
the district formerly worked by Mr. Spadaccini.
Inspector Spadaccini was appointed in 1.882, and had therefore served the
Corporation for thirty-five years.