to vary the regulations respecting (hiring foreign ships & the treatment of passengers) at sea- but do not authorise in to Exempt any ships absolutely from regulation - a short Imperial Act would therefore be required as suggested in my memorandum or either of those propounded by M. Herbert were decided on.
the course
but if Imperial legislation is considered undesirable the object might be attained through the Local Legislature by reducing to a minimum the regulations to be observed in the case of the vessels in question. The Hongkong Ord. No. 8 of 1871, reduces the requirements of the Imperial Act in respect to the vessels to which it applies, by dispensing with the necessity to carry a surgeon - by increasing the number that may be carried in proportion to space and allowing deck passengers, and by relaxing the requirements in regard to provisions.
It retains the clauses in regard to survey-equipment-efficiency of vessels. Some of these are those that must be complied with, and the necessity for them might occasion delay in granting a clearing certificate. Some of these might be dispensed with - but if any conditions whatever are to be enforced, and a certificate that they have been complied with is to be required, it is clear that sufficient opportunity must be afforded to the Emigration Officer to ascertain the points he is required to certify.
Whether such inquiry can properly satisfy the Companies raised the question may be matter of doubt, if not is it worth while in order to give them a facility which is not accorded to any ships in this Country to make any further alteration of the law?
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