FOREIGNERS IN BRITISH SKIPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13096, 8 February 1906, Page 5

FOREIGNERS IN BRITISH SKIPS.

PETITION FROM CARDIFF.

By Telegraph—Press Association Cojiyi ijttift.

London, February 6. Twenty thousand citizens of Cardiff have petitioned the Government to introduce a Bill restricting the employment of foreign seamen in the mercantile marine. Hie number of British sailors in the mercantile marine lias shown a steady fall in recent years. In 1890 the numbers 'were:! —British. 186.147 ; foreign, 27,227 ; lascars, 22,734. In 1904 the liuinbeiw were: British, 176,975: foreign, 39.832 ' lascars, 42,682. During the session of .1904 a, ; < Bill providing that after December 31, 1907, no foreign sailor who could not understand orders given in English, .should Ik? employed, was introduced in the House of Common#. The- Bill passed its third reading, and was the a dropped. The British Board of Trade is offering inducements to boys to go to sea. They are to receive retainers during the probationary period, and a bonus on joining the " seamen " class of the Royal Naval Reserve. Sydney, February 7. The report of the Navigation Commission is likely to b» ready for presentation to the Governor-General next week. It is understood that by a majority of one, the Commissioners affirm the principle of preference for British seamen and carriage of British goods in British bottoms.