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do not think that I am at liberty to accept Mr. Cairns' measurement in preference to the measurements made in England, more especially as the measurements were made at a time when the Ichang's hull was free from obstruction and the vessel was probably on the stocks.
Mr. Cairns' measurement has been made by what is called Rule II, which is a very imperfect way of arriving at the cubic contents of the hull of a ship of the peculiar construction of the Ichang, as the other spaces differ so much in their capacity for tonnage pour the surveys made in England, that the impression on my mind is that there must be an error in the manner in which those spaces have been computed.
I therefore suggest that the matter be referred to the Board of Trade.
As alterations have been made in the tonnage capacity of the Schang since she was originally registered, the Board will be able to attach such value to Mr. Cairns' report as they may think it deserves.
I have to,
(Signed) A. Shomsett,
Starboard Master
True Copies
Stanistine Berkeley,
Colonial Secretary