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It appears paradoxical that in accordance with section (1) of the Schedule to the Regulations,
a ship with a forced draught oil-fired furnace is not permitted to make dark smoke for a period
exceeding 10 minutes in the aggregate, whereas black smoke may be made for 3 minutes per half
hour, i.e. 12 minutes in 2 hours.
There is a need for some explanatory note in relation to lighting up a furnace from "Cold"
e.g. whether "Cold" means at atmospheric temperature or from any temperature until steam
pressure commences.
A boiler furnace which has been inactive for 24 hours may be considered "Cold"?
Also, while it is appreciated that incomplete combustion must be tolerated when raising
steam from "Cold", there is no mention of any specific time limit in connection with this
defence. However difficult this might be to assess, some conditions of restriction written into
an explanatory note could be helpful.
LOADING AND TRANSPORT OF REFUSE BY LIGHTERS.
BYE-LAWS FOR THE PREVENTION OF NUISANCE ARISING FROM
REFUSE IN OR UPON ANY SHIP, BOAT OR VESSEL
The administration of these bye-laws still necessitates considerable attention involving
both a firm hand and a measure of toleration. The reasons for this dual approach are
First, although firms operating lighters on the River Thames are all co-operative in endeavouring
to secure compliance with the bye-laws, the labour at their disposal is often casual and
indifferent. It was necessary to take proceedings against four lighterage companies for contravening
bye-law 2(b) which stipulates that where vessels are used for the transport of refuse, the
refuse, except during the process of loading or unloading, shall be covered with waterproof
sheeting properly and securely attached to the coamings of the vessel. All defendants were
fined sums varying from £2 to £5 with costs.
Secondly, some of the Riverside wharves, at which refuse from adjacent Metropolitan
Boroughs is loaded into lighters are old and structurally unsuited for the purpose in this modern
age. Rebuilding, where practicable, or replacement of these wharves, is, however, a long term
undertaking requiring the agreement of the Port of London Authority, Riparian Authorities and
the Port Health Authority, as also of those engaged in private enterprise for whom consideration
of ultimate profit or loss must carry considerable weight. Meanwhile, it is essential that the
regular removal of refuse should not be delayed.
The Port Health Authority were consulted during the year about a proposed new jetty at
Chelsea, the reconstruction of a wharf at Stepney, and proposed modern disposal works at
Deptford Creek. Construction of the new jetty at Chelsea is almost completed and it is confidently
hoped that the proposals for Stepney and Deptford, which are entirely practicable, will be
put into effect at a comparatively early date.
It should not be concluded from the foregoing remarks that the transport of refuse down River
is entirely unsatisfactory or causes a major problem. The sheeting of loaded lighters has
improved considerably since the difficulties were discussed with the industry and the bye-laws
amended. Nevertheless, constant supervision must not be relaxed and, in particular, pressure
must be maintained on the loading wharves.
HOUSEBOATS AT BENFLEET
The Essex County Council Act, 1952, provides that the mooring of any houseboat within the
County shall not be lawful without the consent of the Council of the district in which the houseboat
is situated, and that the Council may require the owner or occupier to remove or demolish
any houseboat not authorised by them.
The Port and City of London Health Committee are, however, still responsible under the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, for the sanitary supervision of houseboats coming within the
jurisdiction of the Port Health Authority, although under the Essex County Council Act, 1952,
the local Council in Essex are now responsible for the licensing and drawing up of conditions
under which they are prepared to grant licences to houseboats.
The duties of the Committee in regard to the sanitary supervision of houseboats are safeguarded
by Section 212 of the Essex County Council Act, 1952, which provides inter alia that
no consent shall be given to the mooring of any houseboat within the Port of London without the
previous written consent of the Corporation of London as the Port Health Authority of the Port
of London.
During the year the Henfleet Urban District Council granted temporary consents, subject to
the approval of the Port Health Authority, to twenty-two houseboats. No objection to these
consents was raised by the Port and City of London Health Committee.
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