SHIPPING AND SEAMEN ACT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 8

SHIPPING AND SEAMEN ACT.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT. WELLINGTON, October 10.

An amendment of this act is proposed j by the Government. It is proposed to add to the proviso in the clause regarding an engineer's cer -ficate the following: "(d) Who has worked for at least three years in a workshop as hereinbefore prescribed and has also completed, to the satisfaction of the Minister, a course of mechanical , engineering extending over not _ less than j two years at such classes recognised under part vii of the Education Act, 1908, as are approved for the purpose by the , Minister." Seamen left on shore in New j Zealand by reason of illness, etc, are to be deemed to be discharged from the ship. j It is provided that where the ship, from which a seaman is left on shore is a foreign- < going ship trading beyond international limits, the master or agent shall deposit with the superintendent the full amount of wages due to that seaman, and in addition the sum of £SO for the purpose of defraying any expenses for the maintenance of medical and other attendance on the seaman, and in payment of his passage back to the port of his engagement, or of his burial in case' of his death in New Zealand. A clearance shall not be granted any ship which is not owned in New Zealand until this provision has been complied with. A seaman so left on shore shall, within seven days from the date of his medical attendant or a medical practitioner appointed by the superintendent certifying t.hat he is convalescent, make application to the superintendent to be j provided with a passage back to the port ! of his engagement if he desires to be sent back to such port, and if he fails to make such application, he shall forfeit his right to such passage. Any part of such £SO not expended as herein specified shall be refunded to the master or agent who paid the same. Another clause contains provisions applicable in cases of intercolonial ; or Home trade ships. j