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The first of these amenity blocks for dock workers was completed in March near 'B' Berth,
Royal Victoria Dock and caters for 250 men. The block incorporates showers, washing facilities
toilets, locker room with individual lockers and a clothes drying room. Canteen facilities are
also available.
It is expected that the facilities so readily available will assist the personal cleanliness of
dock workers engaged in the general handling of foodstuffs. The facilities will also enable
workers engaged in handling dirty cargoes to clean up before going home.
FIRST AID TRAINING OF LAI NCH CREWS
The Authority have previously agreed to certain medical functions being assigned to the
Boarding Medical Officer on watch on the Gravesend Station under the Port of London Combined
Accident Procedure (POLACAP), for dealing with major accidents within the Port. The 'Humphrey
Morris' with a doctor on board will normally proceed to a position in the Lower River
district close to an accident and render medical assistance. The 'Victor Allcard' and 'Alfred
Roach' will also proceed to an accident should they be within reasonable distance at the time
to search for and rescue casualties in the River. Several exercises have been carried out.
In order that they might play a fuller part in this work it was decided that all the launch
crews should receive first aid instruction from a St. john Ambulance Association Instructor.
In February, the launch crews completed a course of instruction and, following an examination,
seven members were awarded the St. John Ambulance Association First Aid Certificate which
is renewable every three years. The knowledge and experience obtained from the course has
since been of additional practical use in the landing of sick and injured seamen and passengers
from inward and outward bound vessels associated with statutory duties under the Public Health
(Ships) Regulations 1966 and with the 'unofficial' but very worthwhile work of 'riverborne ambulancemen'.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ALT & ASSOCIATED ACTS
Mr. G.S. Wiggins M.R.C.V.S. Veterinary Officer for the City of London, has submitted the
following report:—
Under the terms of the London Government Act 1963, the Corporation of London is the
authority for the administration of the Diseases of Animals Act 1950, in respect of the importation
of animals, for the whole of Greater London.
Diseases of Animals Act — Importations
Numerous visits were made to London Airport (Heathrow) during the year in connection
with the illegal entry of animals into this country. One visit was made to King George V Dock
for the same reason. In all 75 notices were served on owners directing 57 dogs and 28 cats into
quarantine. Also, 3 notices were served directing imported animals from one port to anotherfor
re-exportation.
Post mortem examinations were carried out on 4 hares and 2 Rhesus monkeys which were
dead on arrival at the airport and reports submitted to the airlines concerned.
In two instances R.S.P.C.A. assistants at Heathrow were bitten whilst handling dogs
in transhipment. In both cases the person concerned received hospital treatment and, as a precautionary
measure, reports were obtained from the veterinary services of the importing countries
to ascertain that the animals had remained healthy for the usual 10 day period.
Through your Medical Officer of Health, the London Borough of Hillingdon arranged for a
course of vaccination against rabies to be carried out for the staff of the R.S.P.C.A. Hostel
and your Veterinary Officers. At the present time blood samples from the recipients are being
tested to see if the vaccination has been succesful.
Importation of Pops & Cats Order 1928
In February a yacht was berthed at Tower Pier with several dogs on board. The reason for
this was that the owners wished to avoid quarantine restrictions which would have been imposed
hadthe animals been landed. During their stay, until 20th August, a careful watch was kept on the
vessel and the terms and conditions of the above Order were strictly adhered to.
In April it was reported that a dog had escaped from the m.v. 'Stortbeker', berthed at Imperial
Wharf, Greenwich. The animal had jumped from the vessel into the river and was not recovered.
A report was received from the Port of London Authority Police in May that a dog had been seen
running through some timber sheds at Montague Meyers Timber Wharf, Millwall Dock. The dog
was later captured and returned to the m.v. 'Troyberg', from which it had escaped. A similar
case occured in August of a dog escaping from the m.v. 'Adeny', berthed at Surrey Commercial
Dock. The animal was free for 2 days before being found and returned to the vessel.
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