INSPECTION OF LIFEBELTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 101, 30 April 1909, Page 3

INSPECTION OF LIFEBELTS.

TRADES COUNCIL'S ACTION. At the Trades and Labour Council \^-T mn * g^ a r tter was read fr °m the Minister of Marine stating that in addition to the inspection of life-saving appliances at the annual survey, -surprise visits are made by the surveyor at various times during the year. The sururn2 rr u m WelHraton had inspected 700 •f^f afc the Union Company's yard with 151b weight attached. 1 Tins was done befdre Christmas for the purpose ot having spare belts passed by the inspector ready for the excursion season. IHe inspection of lifebelts was carried out thoroughly at the various ports, with due regard to the regulations. Proper efforts were taken to see that the lifesaving appliances are such as are required by law, and are in an efficient condition. Mr. Dowdall pressed for surprise visits of inspection by the surveyor. He wished to have a specific report of surveys made of vessels in commission. Many of the life-saving, appliances were not only useless, but a menace to society. Lifebelts were thrown into a heap and left there until wanted when a ship went out of commission. If there were not sufficient belts already passed, then these rejects were used. Since 1873 he had never seen a surprise visit. He had seen a foreman spending hours in && e rL ting lifebelts ready for a surveyor. What was wanted was inspection at any time by the secretary of the Sea- j mens Union or three practical seamen in Wellington. He moved That this council regrets the tone of the letter sent by the Minister of 1 Marine, and points out to him that what the council wanted was an immediate examination of the life-sav-ing appliances now in use, and not I those lying in the stores. I Another delegate referred to an examination made in Europe, when lifebuoys were found to be stuffed with sawdust and powderous matter, winchwould weigh a man down instead of supporting him in the water. Mr. A. Parlane would not favour passing the motion unless the mover could show that the statements were incorrect. Mr. Dowdall raised a point of order. It was not requested that a regular examination should be made, but surprise examinations. Mr. Parlane held that if the statements were incorrect then the council should point them out. Personally, he had no faith in Government inspection, and he especially instanced machinery inspection. Mr. W. T. Young denied that surpriso visits were made by the surveyors. His time was fully occupied with other matters, including Jiis duties as assistant shipping master. He instanced the case of a boat on a coaster, in which Ihe stern-post was away from the body of the boat. He induced the surveyor to inspect it, and the boat was repaired. A larg« number of lifebelts were recently plac»d on board a first-class passenger ship The surveyor tested hall a dozen belts and then he gave the stamp to' some one else, and said "Here you are. Go on with the rest." And then he went away. The boats should be tested much more thoroughly, and more regularly. There was, he said, quite recently, a collapsible boat which, when opened, was found to have a large hole in it. He believed the surveyor desired, and he did do, his duty well; but the Marine Department was overmanned. The motion was passed.