met with
an accident in the
neighbouring Seas and was brought into this Port. They had
several Passengers of the rover class, who represented themselves
as
British Subjects, and utterly
destitute
of means either to
Prosecute their
voyage
or maintain themselves here.
The vessel was
damaged
and
the
Master gave up
the voyage -
the
Master avowed his
inability to
help the passengers - the Salors
held
a prior
claim on the Ship,
which it was determined to sell, and the United States' Consul
declared himself powerless to
obtain redress, or afford relief
Under these circumstances
assistance has been given from
the Colonial Funds, and I am at
a loss to Know how in this or similar cases to recover
the Amount advanced.
In a Colony like Hong Kong
where a very large amount of Shipping is resorting from all parts of the world to its port, the question is of moment, as the burden may
at times be heavy.
The Merchant Shipping Act
1854 provides for Seamen in these Circumstances and charges their expenses on
the
owners ...
st
J