PROTECTION TO LIFE ON STEAMERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1017, 23 March 1865, Page 6

PROTECTION TO LIFE ON STEAMERS.

STEAMERS.

(To the JSditor of the Dam.T Ti«4,) Sia—Being on the jetty this afternoon when the Golden Age was leaving for Port Chalmers, I could but not notice the way ia which that vessel was crowded with passengers proceeding to the new msih. With others I contemplated the fearful consequences that wonld inevitably result should anything go wrong during the journey. To such aa extent was she laden that the bridge and paddle-boxes were crowded, and I saw two or three people almost forced over her side from the number on board. " Some accident: wilt happen," escaped from the mouths at \ several ia my hearing, No Booner did she leave the pier than a man was overboard, —fortunately he could swim, and he was picked up by one of the boats near at j hand. How different might the result j nave been, had it taken place halfway down the bay. If there was. v boat on ', board (which I doubt) it would have bcem impossible to get it out, in time from among such a crowd. Immediately I lefit i the jetty I took atepa to ascertain what isi the law in this matter, and I find the foi- j lowing as bearing oa the subject :— Steam Navigation Act, 1862.—"X1V. I It shall not be lawful to carry on board nay such vessel a» aforesaid a greater number of passengers than the number recpectively stated in any such certificate ami if the owner or master or other person Jin charge of such vessel receive on board thereof or if such vessel shall at any time have on board any greater number of passengers whether snch are deck passengers or other passengers than the number respectively specified in such certificate the owner or the master o? other person having the charge thereof shall forfeit a stim not exceeding twenty pounds and shall forfeit in addition a sura rot exceeding five pounds if a seagoing vessel and a sum not exceeding twenty shillings if a river-going vessel for every passenger over and above the number so specified in the certificate as aforesaid." Marine Board Act, 1863.—"XXJ31. The Marine Board shall have all such powers and exercise all such duties and functions as are conferred upon any Board by the Steam Navigation Act 1862." Oa applying at the Custom House I learned that the Golden Age is allowed to carry 500 passengers. Now, sir, if no | more than that number were on board, hovr is it that she is permitted to carry so many ? If a^ain there were more than that number, (and I have no doubt of it) whfi is to blame? The Marine Board Act states that such matters come within the province of tke Board. Without knowing who those gentlemen are, I would beg to tell them that if this state of things is allowed to continue, we may, and in all probability we shall, have an accident ten times more frightful than the loss of the Pride of the Yarra, which, by the way, never would have occurred, had the authorities done their duty, By drawing public attention to tbe subject, I trust that the chance of an accident from such causes may be prevents! 1, and tliat those whose duty it is to look to it, will do so, or otherwise I can assure them, the matter will not be allowed to drop. I am, &c, Q. P. Clifford. Duocdin, Marcb 15. j