REGISTRY OF SHIPPING.
17. Of the five vessels registered here in 1879 is one, the Powan, the tonnage of which has been rectified; the vessel having formerly been registered as of 636.69 tons capacity while now, without any alterations, the vessel is 1,842.57 tons. Under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance of 1879—not yet confirmed—it is to be hoped that such miscalculations cannot again occur.
MARINE
MARINE MAGISTRATE'S COURT:
13. The Offences have been few in number and of no serious nature.
EXAMINATIONS FOR THE POSTS OF MASTERS AND MATES, UNDER ORDINANCE No. 17 OF 1860.
19. There were 48 Candidates for Certificates of Competency, of whom 43 obtained Certificates of Competency and 5 failed to satisfy the Examiners.
20. A great want felt here from there being no legal Board for the examination and granting of Certificates to Marine Engineers will be removed this year.
MARINE COURTS, UNDER ORDINANCE No. 11 OF 1860.
21. The following Courts have been held during the year:-
1. On the 11th February, 1879, inquiry as to the Misconduct of the Master (MOSES HENRY KERRUISH) of the British barque Black Watch, Official No. 45,073 of London. The Master's Certificate of Competency was returned.
2. On the 25th March, 1879, inquiry as to the loss of the British Steam-ship Yesso, Official No. 48,343 of Hongkong, on the White Rocks. The Master's (SAMUEL ASITTON) Certificate of Competency was suspended for three months.
3. On the 1st May, 1879, inquiry as to the collision of the British Steam-ship Killarney, Official No. 65,876 of Dublin, with a Chinese Fishing Junk, about one and a half miles to the North West of Aichau Island, by which four lives were lost. The Master's (HENRY O'NEILL) Certificate of Competency was returned.
4. On the 24th June, 1879, inquiry as to the Misconduct of the first Mate (CHARLES SAUTER) of the British ship G. C. Trufant, Official No. 70,696 of London. The first Mate was severely reprimanded and recommended that he be discharged from the ship.
5. On the 28th October, 1879, inquiry as to the collision of the British Steam-ship Amoy, Official No. 68,490 of London, with the Hongkong licensed Fishing Junk No. 1,545, about 20 miles W.S.W. of Chelang Point, causing the total loss of the Junk and also the death by drowning of six persons. The Second Mate's (JAMES JOHN SULLIVAN) Certificate of Competency was suspended for three months.
SEAMEN.
22. There is a sensible decrease in the number of Seamen shipped and discharged at this Port during the year, caused by Steam-ships superseding Sailing vessels. The number shipped is 6,438 or 18.42 per cent less than in 1878, and the number discharged is 6,925 or 14.99 per cent less than in 1878.
23. The Steam-ships as a rule bring their men from England and take them back again. Whereas under the sailing ship time, vessels arrived, discharged their crews and remained here until further employment was obtained when fresh crews were shipped.
I have the honour to be,
The Honourable W. H. MARSH,
Colonial Secretary,
&c., &c., &c.
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. G. THOMSETT, R.N., Harbour Master, &c.