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Objects and Reasons.
1. The object of this bill is to prevent thefts which take place in and in the neighbourhood of the harbour of marine stores which are defined so as to include coal, and though based upon the provisions of Ordi- nance 4 of 1875, it is much wider in its scope than that Ordinance inasmuch as coal and marine stores belonging to companies, firms, and individuals as well as to the Crown are liable to be stolen. The Ordinance also includes for the first time marine [hawkers] as well collectors as dealers in marine stores and compels such [hawkers] collectors as well as dealers to take out a licence for that purpose
with the proviso that such [hawkers] can only apply for collectors a licence through a dealer, who is required to put up security for such [hawker] (see clause 3). Such licence collector is granted and held at the discretion of the Captain Superintendent of Police on such conditions as to fees and subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by the Governor in Council (see clause 4).
2. Every dealer in marine stores is required to keep
a book with reference to such stores (see clause 5).
3. Clause 6 A enables the police to inspect the ^(1)
goods of the dealer or [hawker] and the books and papers collector of the dealer. Clause 6 (2) renders it necessary for a dealer to register with the Police the premises at which he stores his goods. Promiscuous storage of goods at unregistered premises might obviously lead to abuses.
4. Clause 7 prohibits a dealer in or [hawker] of collector marine stores from selling provisions of any kind.
5. Clause 8 restricts a marine stores [hawker] to collector buying stores of the same kind or kinds as the dealer who stands security for him.
6. Clause 9 prohibits a marine stores [hawker] from collector selling any marine stores of any kind.
7. Clause 10 enacts a penalty for being found in possession of any marine stores and not being able to account for same.
8. Clause 11, which owing to modern commercial conditions has to be wider in its area than section 11 of Ordinance 4 of 1875, prohibits dredging without the written permission of the Harbour Master in certain waters [if within 100 yards of any wharf or dock or ship- of the ping or victualling or engineering or repairing yard]. Colony
9. Clause 12 relates to penalties.
10. Clause 13 refers to certain marks on certain of His Majesty's stores and enacts a penalty for the unlawful application of such marks to such stores.
11. Clause 14 enacts a penalty for obliterating marks on His Majesty's stores.
12. Clause 15 confers power to apprehend suspected offenders, and clause 16 empowers the police to stop and search boats and persons on suspicion.
13. Clause 17 preserves the power of prosecution under other Ordinances.
14. Clause 18 repeals Ordinance 4 of 1875.
23rd May, 1919.
H. E. POLLOCK,
Attorney General.
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