OVERCROWDING STEAMERS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3353, 15 April 1868, Page 4

OVERCROWDING STEAMERS.

To the Editor of the Daily Southern Cross. Sir, -—I wu a bystander yesterday when the Authorities interfered, and very properly, with the passenger arrangements of one of the Thames steamers — the 'Enterprise.' I wiih I could add that the authorities interfered successfully for the good of the public and the upholding the law in that case made and provided: The Customs officer was set at defiance and abused, and, in spite of what seemed to me a very conciliating and proper protest, was treated with the greatest disrespect and contempt. The facts of the case are simply these. The steamer (as all steamers are) is licensed to carry a certain number of passengers— in the case in point, about 122. When she was leaving the wharf she had certainly more than double this number, and in the erent ot any accident whilst crossing the Thames there was one rickety old dingy to save the crowd with. This is sorely too bad. There is a recklessness about the whole proceeding, which speaks little in favour of either steamboat owner or Customs authorities, who should be called upon to enforce the law. The consequences of such a fearful overcrowding upon a river steamer in a sea way are easily foretold. One roll too many, and over goes the whole crowd to a fearful death. The persons in charge of the boat were very offensive; and the crowd of diggers, instead of feeling any satisfaction at the care exercised in their behalf and for theit own safety, vociferously applauded what was done. The steamer may get down and may get back again, but most certainly measures ought to be taken to prevent a repetition of such a proceeding. I enclose my card.— l am, Ac , . „„,,„ °*c who Can't Swim. April 14, 1868.