View report page

53
During practically the whole of this time he had been responsible for the sanitary
condition of the East India and the Royal Victoria and Albert Docks and for the
examination of the important cargoes of foodstuffs discharged therein. His unfailing
tact, firmness and upright personal character always insured careful consideration for
his opinions and suggestions, and the respect of all officials and others of the various
interests concerned in these Docks.
Your Medical Officers of Health in succession have appreciated very highly the
nature of the services rendered to the Port Sanitary Authority by the unselfish devotion
to duty always exhibited by Mr. Spadaccini.
Inspector H. R. Hopkins was absent on sick leave from 11th November to
17th December.
Inspector C. A. Shepherd has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant R.N.R.,
and given command of a vessel.
Launches.—I regret to report that C. J. Wilcox (stoker) and J. Baulsom
(deckhand) were reported to have died from wounds received in action.
Offices.—No further reduction of the Staff has taken place. The temporary lady
clerks have performed their duties well, and no arrears of work have accumulated.
The work of the office was very seriously disturbed and incommoded by the damaged
condition of the offices, referred to below.
The difficulties thus caused were adequately met, and the work did not suffer as a
consequence, except from occasional delays, of which perhaps the most noticeable was the
deferred appearance of your Medical Officer's Annual Report.
OFFICES.
In the explosion which occurred at Silvertown in January, the large windows and
frames in the lower offices were destroyed, exposing the interior. Suitable precautions
were taken, and by April new windows and frames were fitted.
In the interval artificial light had to be used during business hours, and all
business conducted in one small room. The rest of the building suffered principally
from broken glass, &c.
On 24th December, a portion of the ornamental work on top of the building
broke away and fell on to the pavement. The remaining portion appeared to be in a
dangerous condition. The City Surveyor was communicated with, and the necessary
repairs carried out.
HOSPITAL.
•
Certain changes have taken place in the Nursing and Domestic Staff at the
Hospital. These appointments are of a temporary nature only. It has been found
increasingly difficult to obtain Nurses, but temporary arrangements have sufficed for the
satisfactory nursing of patients in view of the lessened number of admissions.
A. E. R. Lewis (Caretaker) resigned on the 27th July. J. H. Robinson was
engaged to fill the vacancy, and commenced duty on the 11th August.
The Ward equipment of linen and bedding has required certain renewals, and is
now on an efficient basis.
The wind power pump received some slight damage during a gale early in
the year.