A.—sa

VIII

4. Desertion, (p. 148.) The Representatives of the British Shipowners moved the following rider (to Resolution 18 of the resolutions passed), which was not accepted by the Colonial delegates :— Provided that if imprisonment for desertion is abolished, the Shipowner be relieved from all responsibility for the repatriation of a deserter and that no penalty be imposed on the Shipowner by the State in which the deserter is left for leaving such deserter behind. 111. — RESOLUTIONS DISCUSSED ON SUBJECTS OTHER THAN THE ABOVE BUT NOT ADOPTED. 1. British and Foreign Seamen, (p. 116.) That this Conference is opposed to the employment of Lascars, Coolies, Chinamen, or persons of any other alien race on any vessels owned, registered, or chartered to trade in the Commonwealth or New Zealand. 2. Clauses in Articles of Agreement, (p. 131.) That it be a recommendation from this Conference to the Board of Trade to ascertain and investigate the various clauses attached by shipowners to the Articles of Agreement signed by the crews of vessels. This with the view of securing uniformity in this respect, and also establishing the principle of equity as between employer and employed. 3. Light Load Line. (p. 142.) That it is advisable to have a light load line for ships in ballast. 4. Engagement of Seamen, (p. 142.) That all seamen be engaged only through a Government officer—the Superintendent. 5. Watertight Compartments, (p. 150.) That all vessels constructed after a certain date shall be fitted with watertight compartments. 6. Service Qualifications for Engineers' Certificates, (p. 152.) That third-class engineers having sea-service, on passing a practical examination, be permitted to qualify for higher grade certificates. 7. Subjects of Examination for Officers' Certificates, (p. 155.) (1.) That it be a suggestion to the Board of Trade to take into immediate consideration the necessity of including in the regulations for examination for officers the following subjects directly relating to navigation : — The practice and theory of plane and spherical trigonometry ; Geometry ; Geography, hydrography, and meteorology ; Naval architecture and the structure of vessels. The addition of the following subjects to examination on general knowledge : — The English language—Grammar and composition. A knowledge of at least one foreign language. (2.) That it be a recommendation to the Board of Trade that all vessels should be sufficiently staffed with officers to enable the principle of four hours on watch and eight off being rigidly adhered to. In vessels of small tonnage the regulations should provide that the master should keep a sea-watch of eight hours out of every 24. 8. Legal Questions, (p. 159.) That all resolutions adopted by this Conference are understood to be without prejudice to any legal questions involved.