NAVIGATION BILL.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13821, 25 August 1910, Page 7

NAVIGATION BILL.

(Received August 25th, 12.45 a.m.) MELBOURNE, August 24. In the House of Representatives the new Navigation Bill was road a first time. The Bill differs materially in several respects from the previous Bill in some of th« main features. Australian trado is extended to include vessels trading to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. A coasting vessel means on© making short voyages to Australian ports not exceeding a radius of 400 miles. A new definition is given of desertion, which will mean absence from a ship without lawful cause. As regards crimping, ifc is provided that no person other than a marine superintendent or the owner, master, mate, or engineer of a ship shall engage or supply seamen or apprentices under a penalty of £50, or three months , imprisonment. A penalty of £25 is provided for receiving money for the supply of seamen. A seaman in order to be rated A.B. must liave- served at least three years as an apprentice oeforo the mast, out the section does not apply to seamen rated as A.B. before the commencement of the Act. The crow- of a foreign-going ship, whether British or foreign, must not be employed in loading her tinder a penalty of £100. The penalties for offences against discipline are considerably reduced. The berthing accommodation for seamen and apprentices is increased to not less than 140 cubic feet, and not less than 18 superficial feet, measured on deck or floor, and not lees than 5 feet measured between bunks clear of all encumbrances at the forward or narrow end. Foieign seamen on foreign vessels may bo forcibly placed aboard if absent without leave, but in the case of seamen who are Australian citizens, such action cannot bo taken without their consent. All vessels registered in Australia, or engaged in tho coasting trade, must be fitted with the wireless apparatus. Provision is made for regular boat drill. A Council representing all the parties is to advise on tho regulations and scales of pay to be provided.