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Regulation 15 of the Dangerous Drugs Regulations, 1921, referred to above, is
as follows:—
15.—"In the case of a ship not carrying as part of her complement a duly qualified
medical practitioner, the master of the ship shall be deemed to be a person authorised to be
in possession of the drugs so far as is necessary to comply with the requirements of the Merchant
Shipping Acts, and it shall also be lawful for him, subject to any conditions prescribed
by the Secretary of State, to administer and supply the drugs to any member of the crew in
accordance with the instructions prepared or sanctioned by the Board of Trade. The keeping
of a record of the use of the drugs in the official log in accordance with the provisions of the
Merchant Shipping Acts shall be deemed to be compliance with the requirements of these
Regulations as to the keeping of records."
I anticipate there will be very little work in connection with the supply of
dangerous drugs, as the order relates to foreign ships, and only deals with the
voyage of such ships between England and their home ports.
The drugs to which these Regulations apply are morphine, cocaine, ecgonine
and dimorphine (commonly known as heroin).
HEALTH ORGANISATION OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.
On the 6th and 7th April, representatives from the following nations were
taken to Denton Hospital and the London Docks. These were all doctors in the
sanitary services of their respective countries, namely:—Denmark, United States
of America, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Finland, Roumania,
Austria, Serbia, France, Italy and Czecho-Slovakia.
On the 6th, the Launch "Lady Truscott," left Old Swan Pier at 10-30 a.m.,
with a company of these gentlemen and ladies to the number of thirty-one. Captain
C. G. Elliston, the Executive Secretary of the Society of Medical Officers of Health
being in charge of the party. Your Chairman was host and your Medical Officer
demonstrator.
The object was the demonstration of the methods of the Port Sanitary Authority
in prevention of entry of Infectious Disease in the Port, as a conclusion to the
labours of some weeks during which the foreign representatives had been distributed
in small groups in the principal towns of England for the purpose of studying
English methods in sanitation.
The boarding station and hospital were visited and the administration of the
work explained.
On the 7th, with the kind permission of the Port of London Authority, the
London Dock was visited and in addition to the inspection of food, the cellars and
ivory, spice and wool warehouses were visited. Your Medical Officer and Inspector
Wetjen conducted the party, explaining details of interest to them.
These occasions cannot fail to prove to be of importance in the repair of international
health and amenities.
On Friday, May 4th, your Medical Officer had a prolonged interview with
Dr. L. Heyermans, The Director of Public Health Service, Holland, the subject of
his visit being a detailed inquiry as to the procedure in dealing with infectious
diseases and in fumigations in the Port of London.
NEW MOTOR LAUNCH.
The new motor launch was brought round from Wivenhoe on the 8th February.
Trials at Gravesend proved the vessel to be handy, reliable, of quite sufficient
pace for customary working, namely 8 knots, and to afford shelter and comfort
to the crew beyond that of the former launches.
This launch, named the "James Howell," has fully shown the convenience
of this type for lower river work.
LAUNCHES AND HULKS.
"Lady Truscott."—Repairs to rudder and baffle plates were carried out
during the year. Also repairs in connection with a fire which occurred in the ash
trays under the boiler, on the 14th July.
"George Briggs."—Repairs to woodwork and tail shaft were found necessary,
and carried out.