C.O.
Hon. Colonial Secretary,
21383.
Rec'd 28 JUN 09
214
It has been suggested to me that a certain increase in revenue may be obtained by making Asiatic seamen employed and to be employed on board foreign ships sign on and be discharged at the Mercantile Marine Office as are those employed in British Ships, instead of, as now happens, at the Consulates of the countries to which such ships belong.
2.
The revenue collected last year from this source - in the case of seamen shipping on board, and being discharged from, British ships - amounted to $23,847.80, and it is estimated that at least half as much again would accrue to the revenue were this suggestion carried out.
3.
I attach copy of memo. from Master Attendant, - from which it will be seen Singapore, with two enclosures that all Asiatic Seamen have to sign on and off the Article of foreign vessels, there, at the Shipping office. But that the Merchant Shipping Ordinance now being prepared in that Colony restricts it to native seamen of British Nationality. No reason is given for this proposed restriction.
4.
I may mention that this alteration will involve yet another amendment to our M.S. Ord. (Sect. 5 will have to be completely redrafted as regards sub-sections (1), (2), (3), (4), (7), (8).)
30.3.09.
(sd.) Basil Taylor,
Harbour Master.
Hon. Colonial Secretary,
I have now heard from the Master Attendant, Straits, - a private letter - and gather that the alteration in their local law on this subject is not in any way due to instructions from Home. It appears that the custom has gradually arisen to disregard the letter of the law, and permit all "native" seamen, except those claiming British nationality, to sign
1PY