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SECTION XVI
MISCELLANEOUS
Arrangements for the burial on shore of persons who have died on board ship from infectious
disease.
The body of any person dying on board ship, or in Denton Hospital, from infectious disease
would normally be removed from the ship or Denton Hospital for burial by a Private Undertaker
acting on the instructions of the shipping company or the next-of-kin, the local police being kept
informed.
In the event of the death being one of smallpox, special instructions as to precautions to be
taken would be given to the undertaker by the Port Health Authority.
CLEAN AIR ACT 1956
THE DARK SMOKE (PERMITTED PERIODS)
(VESSELS) REGULATIONS 1958
During the year there has been ample evidence that there is need for consistent attention not
only to take statutory action as found necessary but to prevent minor incidents becoming statutory
nuisances.
On many occasions Inspectors have made verbal representations in respect of minor infringements
resulting in prompt remedial action being taken, and the advice given on these occasions
to the Master or Chief Engineer has no doubt resulted in the prevention of further occurrences.
Difficulty arises from time to time in connection with outward bound ships whereby it has
not been possible to follow the ship for any considerable time to determine the extent of the
offence or to communicate an immediate message to the Master.
However, by constant observation and investigation of all offences however small and by
providing advice when necessary, the staff of Inspectors, most of whom are certificated Smoke
Inspectors, have made a considerable contribution towards gradually reducing the number of
offences.
Official recorded action taken during the year included:—
Prosecutions 2 (Successful)
Statutory Notices served 3
Informal Notices and Warnings 14
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936, PART X - CANAL BOATS
Hitherto, these boats have used Regents Canal Dock as a terminal and loaded various cargoes
destined inland, but the pattern of the Industry has been changed and a canal boat is now rarely
seen in the Dock. It is the exception when one arrives to load a specific cargo. None were seen
during the year.
LOADING AND TRANSPORT OF REFUSE BY LIGHTERS
Routine visits to loading wharves and regular inspection of the lighters engaged in this trade
have been maintained during the year. Several minor infringements of the Byelaws were dealt with.
In one case successful legal proceedings were taken.
The tipping at Honduras Wharf has stopped and there is no intention of resumption. There
were, therefore, fifteen wharves in regular service on the riverside and creeks and six additional
wharves were maintained for emergency tipping. Two refuse depots outside the jurisdiction of the
Port Health Authority continued to transport refuse by lighters to disposal points within the
district of the Port Health Authority. As far as practicable, the operations of loading, carriage
and discharge were checked by the Inspectors afloat to ensure the provisions of the Byelaws were
complied with.
A gradual improvement has been achieved generally, but tipping buoyant refuse at open
wharves will always give rise to anxiety even though considerable efforts are made to minimise
nuisances and infringements of the Byelaws.
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