INSPECTION OF COASTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 225, 20 September 1906, Page 3

INSPECTION OF COASTERS.

MORE ATTENTION TO BE GIVEN. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Mr Poole (Auckland West) speaking in the House to-day urged the importance of adequate inspection of coastal vessels. Supervision of these craft had sometimes been unsatisfactory, and he believed matters could be improved by additions to the supervising staff. He was glad to know that a practical man like the Minister for Marine had taken up the question with interest. The Minister for Marine (Hon. J. A. Miliar) explained, in reply to Mr Poole, that a transfer of work was going on at present between the Customs and mercantile marine offices. For many years the Customs Department had done a good proportion of the work, and in the outside ports would continue to do it. He recognised that the increase of outside work had prevented the Auckland superintendent, a very efficient officer, from paying more attention to the inspection of small vessels, and the necessary assistance would be given to him if ho was satisfied that it was required. Protection of life was the most important consideration, and he hoped before long to be able to satisfy the House in regard to the character of the inspection of vessels.