Dr. Macauley. I can not say that we have. It has not been brought to my notice if it has been.
Mr. Powell. The engineer can probably answer this question, but his experience may not go far enough back. Has any investigation ever been made as to the natural facilities that are afforded for sedimentation beds and things of that kind on the other side of the boundary?
Dr. Macauley. I think not.
Mr. Powell. Have you ever heard of any complaints owing to sewage from vessels passing up and down the river?
Dr. Macauley. Yes; we have heard complaints. During the year 1909 one of our wharves was in bad condition, and many of the large boats stopped at a point that was practically over the end of our intake pipe. That was doubtless the cause of our epidemic. There is no doubt that the year the boats were there there was an epidemic. We went so far as to prohibit the boats staying there. We prohibited the large liners or passenger boats tying up to that wharf. For some months, however, they did tie up to the wharf.
Mr. Powell. As a man having to do with sanitary matters, what is your opinion regarding the effect of the boats discharging the sewage into the river? Is the discharging of that sewage into the river detrimental to health on your side?
Dr. Macauley. Undoubtedly.
Mr. Magrath. I would like to say, Mr. Chairman, that if Dr. Macauley as the health officer of a great town along the river here wishes to make any statement to the commission he may do so. He may have gotten the idea that he is here to ask questions. If he has anything to say on the subject, this is the time to say it.
Dr. Macauley. I do not know of anything special at this time. Something may later suggest itself to my mind.
Mr. Tawney. Can anyone here give us information as to the number of vessels passing up and down this river in front of Brockville? Is there any record that would give such information?