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With regard to the manner in which these Regulations are carried out by the German Officials here, from what information I can gather and from what little I know personally, I should say the authorities are somewhat lax in conforming with the Regulation.
For instance, I am told that when a vessel is ready to clear with Chinese emigrants for the Straits or elsewhere, the German Consul or Vice Consul seldom goes on board in person, the Consulate shipping clerk, who remains on board to sign the necessary papers after the Chinese boatmen have finished counting the coolies.
There is no strict examination of the coolie accommodation and careful counting of the passengers as is the case with British vessels.
With regard to the German Regulations themselves, I would point out several particulars in which they vary from our Regulations.
In the first place, with regard to Deck Passengers, the space allowed for each adult is only 12 sq. ft. as against the 16 sq. ft. required by the British Regulations.
Personally I do not consider 12 sq. ft. sufficient, tending to overcrowding and interference with the proper working of the ship, and liable to lead to some great disaster.
I also observe that in the German Regulations no mention is made of awnings to protect the passengers from sun and rain.
This omission, I also consider, is to be deprecated.
Again, another difference is to be found in the quantity of food to be supplied to every adult under the two sets of Regulations.