SHIPS AND THE SEA.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 104, 29 October 1909, Page 4

SHIPS AND THE SEA.

IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS PROPOSED. TECHNICAL DETAILS. Some important amendments in maritime law are proposed by the Shipping and Seamen. Amendment Bill, which has been introduced in the House of Representatives by the Minister of Marino (Hon. J. A. Millar) Tho definition of a "Horns trade ship" is amended, so as to mean a ship employed in trading or going between any port or places in New Zealand; (b) plying on • any navigable waters in New | Zealand ; (c) going to sea from any port | or place in New Zealand, returning to I New Zealand without going more than fifty miles from the coast thereof. It is provided that for the purposes of this delinition the Cook, Kermadcc, Chatham, and Auckland Islands, Campbell and Antipodes Islands, and Bounty Islands, shall be deemed to bo places outof New Zealand. Also, a ship, will not be deemed to be a home trade ship merely because, in the course of, or as preliminary to, a voyage to or from any place out of New Zealand, sho is employed in going between two places- in New Zealand, if she does not take on board at any place in New Zealand, to be landed or delivered at any other place in New Zealand, any cargo or passengers other than cargo or passengers holding through tickets to or from any place out of New Zealand. ,Soction 21 of the principal Act is amended by providing that a certificate for a sailing ship shall entitle the holder to serve in a steamship, cr ship prppellod by other mechanical power, in tho capacity mentioned in the certificate. If a ship goes to sea from New Zealand, or plies in navigable waters in New Zealand, without tho statutory complement of officers under the original Act, the owner and master are severally liable to a maximum fine of £100. A Collector of Customs is empowered •to detain any ship which is not sufficiently provided with officers. Any one who, not being duly certificated, engages himself or acts as an officer of a ship renders himself liable to a fine not exceeding £50. The Minister is given certain powers and exemption in regard to vessels plying on lakes or rivers in regard to carrying a certificated master or engineer. The Minister is also empowered to grant certificates to masters, mates, or engineers holding similar certificates from any part of the British Empire other than the United Kingdom. ' Section 27 of the original Act is also amended to provide that the holder of a certificate as master of a sailing ship ehall be entitled to command a steamship, and the holder of a certificate as master of a steamship is entitled to command a ship of either class. Power is given to the Minister to grant certificates of service as. master of a ship propelled by mechanical power other than steam. Also, it is provided that "a person shall not engage or supply a seaman or apprentice to tie entered on board any ship in New Zealand unless the person so employed is an owner, master, mate, or engineer of ihe ship, ov ia a superintendent." No one may be engaged as a seaman on a British ship at any port in New Zealand "who does not possess a sufficient knowledge of the English language to understand the necessary oraers that may be given to him in the course of the performance of his duties." The penalty on the master oi owner for breach of this provision is £20. Exemptions are made in favour of fishing boats as regards the engagement of* a. master or engineer. Al6o, it is provided that an examination of provisions on board any British ship may be made whenever directed by the Minister, or when the Superintendent has rea-son to believe that an examination is necesasry. In future every British foreign-going ship of a thousand tons and over going from New Zealand must carry a certificated cook. Penalty for default in this respect is fixed at £25. Cooks at pyesenW acting may obtain service certificates. Fresh provisions are made in regard to accommodation for crews, and the owner and master of a ship is enjoined to provide such sanitary, hospital and lavatory accommodation, including bathrooms, as in the opinion of the Minister is bufficient for the requirements of the crew. In the case of steamships, hot water for the engine-room staff is to be provided. In case of injuries or illness the cost is to fall on the owners of the ship, without deduction from w, a g es - A certificate of discharge may be held I when the seaman fails to fulfil his engagement. The provisions of the principal Act in regard to life-saving appliances are made to apply to all foreign-going shipi while at any port in New Zealand. Load-line requirements are also to apply to foreign ships while in New Zealand waters. Special provisions are nude ia regard '

to grain cargoes on foreign ships, and it is provided that tho master of such a ship must deliver to the Collector of Customs a notice stating the kind and quantity of the grain stowed, the manner in which it is 6towed, and the precautions taking against shifting. Provision is also made for the detention of ships where the owners are alleged to be liable for damages for personal injury sustained in New Zealand. Fresh provisions are niado with regard to the number of firemen, trimmers and greasers that must bo employed. The Minister is empowered to impose conditions with a view to preventing fire in flax, tow, and skins cargoes.

Melbourne has sufficient Mahometans to make 'the ordinary inhabitants awaro that the "faithful" do not allow Ramadan, the ninth month of the Mahometan year, to pass unhonoured. This month was brought to a close on 17th October, and the Melbourne Mahometans celebrated the close of the great fast by a day of prayer and rejoicing in the Public Domain, and concluded the programme with a feast. Eating and drinking, smoking, bathing, smelling perfumes and other bodily enjoyments are strictly prohibited during Ramadan. Even if medicine is taken, alms are expected to be given to the poor to make amends for doing so. After nightfal' meat and drink may be consumed, and merrymaking is permitted.