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(6) Additional
"It is anticipated that additional scope for port hygiene will be given in the near future when
regulations are made to control dark smoke emissions and food hygiene in harbour vessels. The
merits of each have claimed much attention already and will receive the close attention they
deserve. In regard to smoke abatement, some difficulty will surely arise at the outset since
international shipping is involved, some sections of which have inferior installations and may be
obliged to bunker inferior quality coal according to circumstances. However, bridges cannot be
crossed until they are met.
"It has been the intention to outline the development of the Port Health Authority as it is
known today and dramatise the process with brief references to the historical creation of quarantine'
and the dreadful epidemics of earlier centuries from which Europe is so fortunately free
today. The imagination and wisdom of the British Government and the pioneers of environmental
health alike have been recognised and tribute extended to those who shouldered the mounting
responsibilities of port sanitary authorities.
"In making contrast with the present day organisation and the high degree of security enjoyed
by the nation against imported infectious diseases, there must develop a deep sense of gratitude
towards those who have contributed to this victory over the centuries and no less to those even
of recent years.
"To consider any more than the main functions of port health activities has not been possible,
but it may be freely accepted that there are minor duties and moral obligations involved also.
"Both seaport and airport health authorities share a common task and can be considered as
'sound insurance investments' for the protection of national health. The amazing expansion,
popularity and ramifications of international travel and commerce has drawn countries, otherwise
distant, much closer together, reducing the time factor proportionately with the effect of hazarding
security on incubation period calculations.
"An outstanding feature of the larger port health authority activity is that international flavour
and commitments are so interwoven that it can be very difficult to divorce the national from
international obligations. The field of interest has grown to include health, welfare and education
regardless of nationality and, in this pursuit, no mean share of the credit is due to port
health authorities for the various spectacular improvements which have overtaken the unhealthy
conditions of the past in which seafarers had to live. Their influence has made its impress
upon parallel conditions within the ports also.
"No emphasis has been laid on the important meat and fish inspection aspects, since these
are to be dealt with separately and in detail.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936, PART X - CANAL BOATS
Fifty inspections of canal boats were made during the year, as a result of which twenty-two
boats were found to have a total of twenty-seven defects, as follows:—
no. of defects
Cabin in need of general overhaul 5
Cabin in need of painting 8
Dampness in cabin due to defective top, sides, etc. 7
Height of cabin not sufficient 1
Defective ventilation 3
Defective door 1
Defective locker woodwork 1
Defective water can 1
The owners and Masters of the defective craft were in each case notified and requeste d to
carry out the necessary repairs.
The following infringements of the Act were also found:—
Certificate not on board 1
Incorrect certificate on board 1
Registered Number not painted correctly on boat 1
Boat occupied by one child in excess of limit 1
The owners and Masters of the craft concerned were informed of the requirements of the Act
in these respects.
No new registrations were effected during the year.
DANGEROUS DRUGS
During the year sixty-one certificates authorising the purchase of scheduled Dangerous Drugs
were issued under the Dangerous Drugs Regulations, 1953, Regulation 13 (2) of which is as
follows:—
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