DECK CARGOES ON SCOWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14132, 6 August 1909, Page 6

DECK CARGOES ON SCOWS

A NEW REGULATION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. The following new regulation affecting the carrying of deck cargoes on scows engaged in . the intercolonial , trade ' was gazetted to-day : — Scows with flat bottoms, centre-board keels, and beams four times, or more, the depth of the vessel, built expressly for the carriage of deck cargo, and having no hatches, may be allowed to carry cargoes of sawn and balk timber on deck when engaged in the intercolonial trade, provided that the height of cargo from keel or bottom of the vessel does not exceed half the beam, and the load-line is not subnwgod, also, provided that such ship is inspected by a surveyor, or officer approved by the Collector, and he is satisfied about her seaworthiness and her ability to carry the.same with safety to the ship and the people on board.

The timber in question shall be stowed in the following manner : —(a) The heaviest timber shall be stowed nearest the deck and graduating with the lightest timbers at the surface, so that the said timber, when stowed, shall present a flat and even surface fore and aft and athwartships. (b) When hardwood timber is carried, the vessel must have one-third greater freeboard than with the ordinary timber load. (c) Before any vessel is allowed to clear from New Zealand, her master, owner, or agent shall obtain from a surveyor or officer approved by a Collector, a certificate that her cargo is a proper one, and is safely stowed and secured, and is otherwise in accordance with such regulations as may be made in respect of such vessels and their cargoes, (d) No other cargo than sawn or balk timber shall be carried either to or from New Zealand, and should a breach of this section be committed, the Minister may cancel the license which has been granted.