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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.
Vessels lying in the River obtain their supplies direct from water mains on shore
or from water barges.
A complaint made on board the s.s. "-" in regard to the fresh water taken
in at North Shields was investigated. In appearance the water was discoloured, but
a sample sent to your Analyst was favourably reported upon. The tanks were,
however, emptied and cleansed and refilled with London water. The Medical Officer
for the Tyne Port Sanitary District was notified of the complaint and the source of
the water.
In view of the fact that several cases of gastro-intestinal disturbances had
occurred on board the ss. "-"from Jacksonville, the drinking water, which
had been taken on board at New Brunswick, was analysed. The Analyst's report
was favourable, but the tanks were, nevertheless, pumped out, cleansed and refilled
with London water.
Water Barges.—As the majority of vessels obtain their water direct from
hydrants on shore, water barges are not numerous in the Port of London. At the
beginning of the year there were 16 in commission, and at the end of the year 15 only.
These water barges are filled with pure water from the mains. It is, therefore,
only necessary to ensure that no contamination of the water takes place during the
filling of the tanks or while stored in the barges.
This object is best achieved by a thorough inspection of the barges when empty,
special attention being paid to the interior of the tanks and to the hoses and equipment.
The water barges must be registered annually with the Port of London Authority,
and before re-registration they must be inspected as to their fitness for navigation on
the River and in the docks. The arrangement made whereby the Port of London
Authority agreed to co-operate with the Port Sanitary Authority by informing
them when each water barge was due for their annual inspection, and by making
re-registration conditional, not only on the fitness of the barge for navigation, but also
upon a favourable report from the Port Sanitary Authority as to the fitness of the
barge for the carriage of drinking water, has worked smoothly and well. The Port of
London Authority cancelled the registration of one barge during the year.
IV.—INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
For the prevention of the importation of infectious disease it is necessary to
arrange for the medical inspection of vessels:—
(1) Proceeding up the River Thames.
(2) Proceeding up the River Medway.
Vessels proceeding up the Thames—The Port Sanitary Authority maintain
a hulk, the "Hygeia," moored in the River, off Gravesend, about 26 miles below
London Bridge, on which there is a Medical Officer on duty night and day. In the
past the Medical Officer has boarded vessels from the steam launch of His Majesty's
Customs but, as reported last year, the Port Sanitary Authority decided to build
their own Boarding Launch. This vessel was delivered at Gravesend on April 23rd,
and on April 25th she was named the "Howard Deighton" the ceremony being
performed by Lady Green at Tilbury Landing Stage. The launch is steel built
with a length of 75 feet overall, a breadth of 14 feet 6 inches, a moulded depth of
7 feet 6 inches and a maximum draft of 6 feet 6 inches. She has twin screws driven
by two Diesel Engines each 96 b.h.p., and a speed of 11 to 12 knots. On deck there
is an ambulance room fitted internally like an ordinary motor ambulance, so that
four stretcher cases or eight sitting cases can be carried. Forward there is sleeping
accommodation for a crew of four; aft there is a cabin for the Medical Officer.