THE NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13455, 6 April 1907, Page 5

THE NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

FOREIGN SEAMEN IN BRITISH SHIPS.

AUSTRALIAN CASE STATED.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received April 5. -9. p.m.)

London. April 5. At the Navigation Conference yesterday, Sir W. J. Lyne read a memorandum, in which lie replied to the statement of the shipowners on the practical difficulties resulting from lack of uniformity in merchant shipping legislation.

The shipowners had remarked that since 1900 the British seamen had increased by 6000, although there had been a Royal Commission, which had based its recommendations on the decline of the British seamen.

Sir W. ,T. Lyne replied that still there were nearly 40,000 foreigners employed in British merchantmen, besides Asiatics. He denied that Australian legislation had placed British ships at a disadvantage, as compared with foreign ships.

Referring to the liability of shipowners. under recent Australian legislation, Sir \Y. J. Lyne maintained that the Sea Carriage Act should be continued. He urged Australia s great desire to give British owners preference against foreigners, and said he considered the shipowners ought to recognise that fact more.

He defined Australia's views on shipping policy, as follows: — That it is necessary and desirable that foreign ships should be subjected to all the requirements enforced on British ships.

That British ships in the carriage of goods should have preference against foreign ships.

That the proportion of British seamen can be, and ought to be, increased, until the foreigners are reduced or eliminated.

That the Australian coasting trade should be restricted to vessels coinplying with Australian conditions, preference being given to British ships engaged in the coastal trade.

That as far as practicable shipping laws and requirements should be uniform throughout the Empire.

Sir William Lyne further said that he considered the lines of New Zealand's and Australia's shipping legislation ought generally to constitute the basis of a uniform law. Each British colony should give preference I > British vessels in all sea trade.

NEW ZEALAND'S RECOM-

MEND A lON .

SEVERAL PROPOSALS

ADOPTED.

On the motion of Sir Joseph Ward, the Navigation Conference has agreed to five resolutions providing first for the issue uf Board of Trade survey certificates in the case of non-passenger vessels ; also, that the Board of Trade's standards and certificate, respecting hull, machinery, boilers, and life-saving appliances should be accepted for British ships in Australia and New Zealand, and to have the same effect as the local certificates.

Sir W. J. Lyne suggested the lust orovision.

The conference agreed to a provision that tin* scale of 1900 of he Imperial Act be accepted for use 011 British ships not registered in Australasia, and agreed to a provision that British ships when passed by Imperial officers, shall be exempt fiom further inspection in Australasia, except on complaint, or where the authorities have reason to believe inspection is necessary.

It also agreed to a provision that. Australasia's conditions regarding manning, ventilation, and conveniences shall only apply to vessels registered colonially, or engaged in the Australasian coastal trade.