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THE OLD AND THE NEW
m.l. "Alfred Robertson"
Since being commissioned in 1937 this motor launch has efficiently rendered almost continuous
service to the Authority in every aspect of duty afloat within its limits of power and capacity.
Built to the traditional, robust design of the age, with the rather sophisticated form of a tugboat,
the launch was able to withstand the rigorous demands of the busy Tideway traffic and especially
the congested pockets of lighters. The high standard of maintenance carried out by the
crews and the various modifications introduced during its life and contributed to make the launch a
worthy representative of the Port Health Authority. Although not endowed with a spectacular
speed, there was no lack of stamina and reliability.
The 'Alfred Robertson' is due to go out of service in the New Year.
m.l. "Victor Allcard"
Built as its successor the m.l. 'Victor Allcard' has modern features which eclipse those of the
'Alfred Robertson' in relation to profile, efficiency and amenities for the crew. Generally, the
construction details and performance are commensurate with the higher standards required of an
efficient port health service in a major seaport.
Although equally robust in construction and with several details in excess of Lloyd's Specification
requirements, the attractive form of the hull and superstructure have not been impaired.
Adequate flare at the bows has been provided to cater for turbulent waters of the Estuary and
the need for an increase of speed has been met within reasonable limits. The overall control of
the launch's movements by the Navigator, the R/T communications with harbour services and seagoing
vessels and the improved Ambulance Room facilities contribute to the features in advance
of the predecessor. May she be equally successful in serving the Authority.
VISITORS AND STUDENTS
There has been a continued decline in the number of individual overseas students sponsored
by Fellowships for study of port health organisation and practices which may indicate that the
supply of trained personnel to the developing countries has reached the objective for the time being.
Many of those trained here will now occupy senior appointments and be able to instruct junior
colleagues and new entrants in the home ports. Nevertheless, those who received instruction
included public health. inspectors from: ADEN, CEYLON, DAR-ES-SALAAM, HONG-KONG, IRAN,
ISRAEL, LIBERIA, MALAYA, NIGERIA, SPAIN, THAILAND and TANGANYIKA.
There is a growing demand for instruction to student public health inspectors from local
authorities and twenty-nine students have received tuition during the year.
As distinct from this individual tuition, there are many who come as organised groups from
centres of health education to study the particular aspects of the work of the Port Health Authority.
Such centres include
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene,
University of London Institute of Education
Educational Interchange Council (Incorporated)
National Society for Clean Air
Tottenham Technical College.
To accommodate the purpose of these visits fully throws an occasional heavy strain upon the
resources of the field staff, but this is cheerfully borne for the sake of public health and the
extension of good relations between the Authority and those represented.
FOOD HYGIENE (DOCKS CARRIERS, etc.) REGULATIONS, 1960
Since the commencement of these Regulations in November, 1960 several noteworthy improvements
have been made in the handling of imported meats, equipment and vehicles. Personnel and
premises also have been subject to an informal code of practice which resulted from a series cf
meetings held with the various interested parties. During the year the Inspectors in the docks
endeavoured to maintain a good standard of practice, and where necessary brought pressure to
bear to maintain the gains achieved and to resist any reversion to old customs and habits. In
general, verbal warnings were sufficient, indicating the goodwill and co-operation existing between
responsible officials and managers and the Port Health Inspectors. On one occasion, however, it
was necessary to take proceedings against a road haulage company for using a dirty vehicle, the
resultant prosecution being successful.
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