THE HOUSE-BOAT NUISANCE.
[To ma EDITOR 07 TIM ..13.7.07■70‘...1 Sra,—The entire boating community—that is to say, the many thousands who escape from their work in London and other towns to enjoy pure air and healthy exercise on "our river" —must he grateful to you for your outspoken article on this subject. The truth of all you say about the class of persons who frequent the Thames in house-boats and the larger steam- launches, will be immediately acknowledged by all unprejudiced men. It is much to be regretted that "boating," as I suppose these persons describe their occupation, should have become BO fashionable, as it is only fashion that can attract them to the river, and induce them to practise their favourite vices there rather than elsewhere.
I saw the occupants of one steam-launch coming down on the Sunday after the Henley Regatta, so much engaged in play- ing cards that they did not even stop while passing through Old Windsor Lock. Could they not have gambled as well at home? I wish you would institute a movement for the reform of that most inefficient body, the Thames Conservancy. The proper regulation of house-boats and steam-launches, both while stationary and moving, might more usefully occupy their time
than the harmless, but absurd and vexatious, numbering and lettering of private row-boats.
One word as to the "rule of the road" on the river. An omnibus or van is not permitted in the streets to go its own pace and route, regardless of smaller vehicles. Why, then, should such a privilege be accorded to steam-launches, house- boats, and barges on the Thames ? Whether rightly or not, they do in effect take their own route and go their own pace, occasionally condescending to give a warning whistle to the boats which have to lie up at the bank, ran on a shallow or into slack water, to escape being upset or run down.
A "Small-Boats Protection Society," started by the leadiag clubs, composed of good rowers and swimmers, and with fonds at its disposal, might perhaps bring some of the worst offenders to justice; but this police work should not be left to private. Associations, but undertaken by the misnamed "Thames Con- servancy." I trust your article may lead to such a result.
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