C.S.Q. 3533/28.
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HONG KONG.
REPORT OF THE RIVER STEAMERS COMMISSION 1928.
No. 1929
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7:
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Introductory
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The Commission was appointed in accordance with the terms of the proclamation contained in the Government Gazette of 9th November, 1928, to consider :--
(a). The status of River Trade certificates as Master and Mate issued by the
Hong Kong Government.
(b). The agreements made between owners and master and master and crew and
the notice to be given to terminate these agreements.
(c). The system of engagement and discharge and payment of wages of native
seamen.
(d). The method of measurement of River Steamers, for passenger certificates. (e). The carriage of large numbers of free passengers as commission agents. (f). The system, of embarkation of passengers and loading of cargo.
(g). The employment of uncertificated pilots.
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2. The first meeting was held on Wednesday November 28th, 1928, and at 6 subse- quent meetings the evidence of 13 witnesses, was taken.
3. The report presented herewith was discussed and decided upon at a meeting of the Commission held on 7th March, 1929.
The Origin of the Inquiry.
4. The total number of British River Steamers sailing from Hong Kong for riverine ports on 27th November, 1928, was 28. Of these, 8 were trading to Canton and 14 to West River ports and Macao, whilst 6 were laid up. (vide Appendix I).
5. During the years 1927 and 1928 no fewer than 7 Marine Courts were held in con- nection with River Steamers, and, of these,, two were serious casualties resulting in the sinking of ships. This compares with two Marine Courts held in connection with ocean going steamers during, the same period (vide Appendix 11).
In addition, 8 Summary convictions against owners or masters were recorded.
6 The irregularities referred to indicated that the standards of these ships, and more particularly the smaller ships running to Wuchow, and Kong Moon, might be inferior to those usually obtaming in British ships and various peculiarities of this trade required in- vestigation.
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7. The terms of reference will now be dealt with seriatim.
(a). The status of River Trade certificates as Master or Mate.
(i). These are local certificates and their validity is limited to River Steamers plying in the waters and delta adjacent to Hong Kong. They are issued subject to local regulations made in 1913. The qualifications for obtaining either of these certificates are much inferior to those required for a foreign going certificate as 2nd Mate.
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