Any further communication should be addressed to:----
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, (MARINE DEPARTMENT). And the following letter and number should be quoted:----
GM
9667
Telegraphic Address,
BOARD TRADE, MARINE,
LONDON.
65
0.
MARINE DEPARTMENT,
7, WHITEHALL GARDENS,
18407
RECE
BEG 23 MAY CO,
LONDON, S.W,
22nd May, 1908.
Gov
40043
Do-
Sir,
I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th ultimo (Number 10043) respecting certain amendments in the Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, proposed by the Governor of Hong Kong in his letter of the 21st February last.
In reply, I am to state, for the information of the Earl of Crewe, that, as Mr C.V. Beckwith holds a certificate as extra master for which he passed a very good examination, the Board have no objection to the amendment of Section 4, sub-section 13, of the Ordinance which will be necessary to permit of his conducting the Examination of Candidates for Masters and Mates' Certificates in Seamanship as well as in navigation. They are of opinion, however, that in the case of future appointments to the post of Assistant Harbour Master, this officer should be allowed to examine in seamanship only if he held at least an ordinary certificate of competency as master valid under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.
With regard to the amendment which will affect the position of the Marine Surveyor, I am to suggest, for the consideration of Lord Crewe, that, as Mr Macdonald, who they believe now fills that post, does not hold a certificate of competency as Engineer valid under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, it would be advisable to have some further information.
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,