1.—9

XI

Wednesday, 17th September, 1902. Present: Mr. Fowlds (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Laurenson, Mr. Millar, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Willis. Mr. Allport, of the Marine Department, was also present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Clause 124 as amended by the Law Draftsman was submitted, and it was resolved to incorporate it in the Bill as revised. Consideration of the Bill was then resumed: — Clauses 116 and 122 were passed without amendment. Clause 134. Section (1), subsection (b), was amended by striking out the word "five" in the sixth line, and substituting the word "two"; and by striking out the word "seven" in the seventh line, and substituting the word " two " therefor. Subsection (d) was also amended by striking out the word " three " in the seventh line, and inserting the word " one " in lieu thereof. The Committee divided on the question of striking out the word "all" at the end of the eighth line, the voting being :— Ayes A : Mr. Fowlds, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Laurenson, Mr. Willis. Noes, 2 : Mr. Thompson, Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones. The word was therefore struck out. The words "one month's" were then substituted for the word " all," and all the words after " wages," in the ninth line, struck out. The clause as amended was then passed, subject to the addition of a proviso to be submitted by the Minister affecting assaults by the master or officers. Clause 135 was amended by adding the words " where no penalty has been imposed" before the word " nothing " at the beginning of the section. Clause 141 was struck out altogether. Clause 142 was amended by striking out section (2). The clause as amended was then passed. Clause 143 was amended by striking out all the words after "be" in the third line of the clause, and substituting therefor "the words " handed over to the Superintendent of Marine at the first port of call after such forfeiture, who shall pay the same into the Public Account." Clauses 144 to 150 were passed without amendment. Clause 151. Section (4) was amended by striking out all the words after " relates " in the second line of the section. The clause as amended was then passed. Clause 152. Section (6) was amended by inserting the word " birth " after " every " and "or death " after " marriage "in the first line. A new section was also added : " (11a.) Every stranding or fire, and the circumstances under which the same occurred." The clause as amended was then passed. Clauses 153 and 154 were passed without amendment. Clause 155. Section (1): The Committee divided on the question of striking out the word " official " in the second line of the section, the voting being :— Ayes, 5: Mr. Allen, Mr. Fowlds, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Laurenson, Mr. Millar. Noes, 2 : Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones, Mr. Thompson. The word was therefore struck out. The section was further amended by inserting the word " engineroom " before the word " log " in the second line, and by striking out all the words in the fourth line, and inserting in lieu thereof the words " the engineer on watch at the time of any occurrence being recorded." Section (3) was amended by striking out all the words after "relates" in the second line. Section (4) was amended by striking out all the words after " same " in the fourth inc. Section (5), subsection (a), was amended by inserting the words "as far as possible " after the word " bridge "in the first line. Subsection (b) was amended by striking out all the words after "vacuum " in the second line. Section (6) was amended by striking out the word "ship "in the first line, and the words "of each " in the second line. Section (7) was amended by striking out the word "official." in the first line, and substituting the word "engine-room." Section (8) was amended by striking out the word "official" in the first line, and inserting in lieu thereof " engineroom;" and by striking out the word "five" in the last line of the section, and substituting " three" therefor. Section (9) was amended by striking out the word "official" in the second line, and substituting therefor the word " engine-room;" and by striking out the word " thirty "in the last line and inserting " twenty "in lieu thereof. Section (10) was amended by striking out the word " official " in the "second and fourth lines, and inserting the word " engine-room " in lieu thereof. Section (11) was amended by striking out the word " his " at the beginning of the third line, and inserting the word " the " in lieu thereof ; and by adding the words, after the word " log" in the third line " and the engine-room log shall at all times be open to inspection by the master and surveyor." Section (12) was amended by striking out the words "or extended river limits "in the second line. . The Committee then adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow, the 18th instant.

Thursday, 18th September, 1902. Present • Mr Fowlds (Chairman), Mr. E. G. Allen, Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Laurenson, Mr. Millar, and Mr. B. Thompson. Mr. Allport, of the Marine Department, was also present. , The minutes of the previous meeting were read and connrmecl. Consideration of the Bill was resumed :— The following new clauses were added :— ~..,, t " 217 a The Governor in Council may from time to time make regulations respecting the loading and stowage, on any British ship, of ballast of any description, and may prescribe a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds for breach of such regulations." "280 a (Bemoval of wreck.) (I.) If any vessel is stranded or abandoned on the sea-shore outside the'limits of a harbour, the Minister may, by notice in writing require the owner of the vessel to remove it or any part thereof, from the sea-shore to the satisfaction of the Minister withm