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5.
of infringement of the Bye-laws relating to Offensive Cargoes.
Nuisances from smoke were reported in 7 vessels.
The arrangements whereby the registration of Water
Barges was made conditional upon the report of your Officers as to
their fitness for the carriage of drinking water, continued to
work smoothly.
No action of any importance was taken to apply the
existing Houseboat Bye-laws to the houseboats coming within the
jurisdiction of the Port Health Authority, for the reason that the
Bye-laws are under revision and new draft Bye-laws are in course
of preparation.
During the year 4,641 tons of foodstuffs were condemned
as unfit for human consumption and were either destroyed or
disposed of for animal feeding or industrial purposes under
suitable guarantees.
During the year Legal proceedings were instituted by the
City Solicitor for a contravention of the Order dated 23rd April
1936, made by your worshipful Committee under the Public Health
(Shellfish) Regulations, 1934; the defendant pleaded guilty. The
case was dismissed under the First Offenders Act but the Magistrates
issued a warning that any further case of this nature would be
regarded most seriously and to that and they desired that full
publicity should be given to the dangers of the sale, exposure or
distribution or offer for sale or possession for the purpose of
sale for human consumption, of shellfish from prohibited areas.
No complaints were received during the year on the
pollution of the River by sewage discharged from the Northern and
Southern Outfalls.
The year 1939 was marked by a gradual but rapid change
in the organisation of the Port Health Service to meet the eventual
outbreak of hostilities. Consequently the Port Health Service
found itself, in a large measure, prepared on the declaration of
war on September 3rd. The war-time organisation has necessitated
additional and ofttimes heavy burdens on the staff and I have the
honour to record that all grades have carried out their duties in
an entirely satisfactory manner and in the very best spirit.
The work of so large a port could not be carried out
efficiently without the co-operation of the Officers of His
Majesty's Customs and of the Port of London Authority, the Pilots
and the Members of the Staffs of the Shipping Companies and
Merchants, whose assistance and courtesy are gratefully
acknowledged.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
M.T.MORGAN.