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An application was made to the Magistrate at the Thames Police Court on
March 23rd for the condemnation of 50 cases of canned spinach, mark "P A,"
lying at B Quay, St. Katharine Dock, ex. ss. "Peregrine," which goods contained
more than two grains per lb. sulphate of copper.
The Magistrate condemned the article of food and ordered it to be destroyed
or disposed of under the supervision of your Medical Officer by such means and in
such a manner as to prevent its being used for human consumption.
Proceedings contemplated with regard to three other consignments were
avoided by the belated consent of the consignee to their destruction.
HOUSE-BOATS—BENFLEET CREEK.
On the 10th July I received a letter which had been sent to the Port of London
Authority, dated the 4th July, by the South Benfleet Parish Council, drawing
attention to the alleged serious pollution of Benfleet Creek from many house-boats
stationed there, and stating that "This creek is at times, becoming a serious nuisance
and it is hoped that early steps may be taken to prevent the use thereof for drainage
purposes of this description."
On the 10th July I sent to the Clerk of the South Benfleet Parish Council a
copy of the Bye-Laws made by the Port Sanitary Authority relating to house-boats,
and informed him that action would be taken where legal evidence for such purpose
of any infringement of the Bye-Laws by house-boats could be ascertained.
An inspector was also sent to Benfleet to investigate the matter complained of,
and he reported that he visited Benfleet Creek and served copies of the Bye-Laws
on the occupants of several of the house-boats, and that he estimated there were
about 18 other boats which were inaccessible at the time of his visit. Most of the
boats visited were in fair condition and every care appeared to be taken by the
occupants to prevent pollution of the creek. Refuse was either burned or placed on
an allotment near by.
On the 22nd August the Ministry of Health, having received a complaint of the
alleged pollution of the Benfleet Creek from the many house-boats there, wrote
saying that they would be glad to receive the observations of the Port of London
Sanitary Authority in the matter.
I had to state my opinion that those moving in the matter imagine legal powers
to exist by which these boats can be totally removed from the Creek by the Port of
London Sanitary Authority, and that the motion is to that end—removal. Further,
that in the main the Bye-Laws made by your Worshipful Committee are being
observed by the inhabitants of the house-boats, particularly because of the fear
of removal, and that on inspection, in only one or two instances can infringements
be inferred.
The state of the Creek does not appear to be insanitary, though rubbish such
as tins and paper in the Creek mud are in evidence, as part of the continuous picnic
enjoyed by others as well as the inhabitants of the house-boats. The legal position
is precisely that which obtains in part of the same waters known as Leigh Creek,
and has now no strictly sanitary aspect. At the same time the majority of the
boats are unseaworthy and therefore liable to internal insanitary conditions. They
will not long lie afloat elsewhere than in such positions as designate them houseboats
according to the Bye-Laws, which matters are in the jurisdiction of your
Worshipful Committee. The Port Sanitary Authority has no grounds for removal
of the boats but only for regulation of these as dwellings.
I