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In some cases, however, for instance where vessels are not lying near a dock
quay, water is supplied from water barges which have obtained their supplies from
water mains on the dock premises.
Vessels lying in the Eiver obtain their supplies direct from water mains on shore
or from water barges.
The number of water barges in use in the Port of London during the year was 17;
one of these was withdrawn temporarily, and one which had previously been withdrawn
resumed working, leaving 17 in use at the end of the year. The barges were inspected
periodically, and no signs of contamination of the water contained in them were
discovered. These craft must be registered by the Port of London Authority.
Eegistration must be renewed annually, and is dependent on the vessels proving on
inspection to be fit for navigation in the Port. Much better control of water barges
could be exercised if re-registration by the Port of London Authority depended also
on the barges being found on inspection to be entirely satisfactory for the purpose
of carrying drinking water.
Water—Sample taken for Analysis.
On arrival of the Mv. "Katerndicht" at Sheerness, from Batoum, on the
23rd August, the master reported that several seamen had complained of sickness,
diarrhoea and pains in the abdomen. The crew were examined by the Boarding
Medical Officer and found to be well.
The master stated that he "did not like the taste of the water," and at his request
a sample was submitted to an analyst for bacteriological examination. The result
of the examination was as follows:—
" Bacteriological examination by cultural and microscopical methods on the 24/8/28 gave
the following results :—
B. Ooli, present in 25 c.c.
Streptococci, not found in 20 c.c.
B. Enteritidisis Sporogenes present in 10 c.c."
The water is seen to contain a high count of organisms, together with evidence of
excremental pollution, though organisms of the typhoid-paratyphoid group or other
definitely pathogenic bacteria were not detected. The findings suggest that the
ship's tank should receive a thorough cleaning."
The tanks were emptied and cleaned, and fresh water was taken in at Gravesend.
IV.—INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
For the detection of infectious disease on vessels arriving from foreign ports
it is necessary to provide for vessels :—
(1) Proceeding up the Eiver Thames.
(2) Proceeding up the Eiver Medway.
In respect of vessels proceeding up the Eiver Thames, the Port Sanitary Authority
maintains a hulk moored in the Eiver, off Gravesend, about twenty-six miles below
London Bridge, on which a Medical Officer is always on duty, day and night.
The Customs Boarding Station is also at Gravesend, and the Port Medical Officer
accompanies the Customs Officer, who visits by launch all vessels from "foreign."
Although no arrangements have been made for the notification by wireless to the
Port Sanitary Authority of the time of arrival of inward vessels requiring special
attention, advance information is frequently given to the Authority by shipowners
and others who have been in wireless communication with such ships.