709094-1868-GOVERNMENT-NOTIFICATION-NO-29 — Page 4

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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 7TH MARCH, 1868.

MARINE COURTS.-Ordinance No. 11 of 1860.

35. Three of these Courts have been held during the past Year. The first was held on the Chief Mate of the Moldavian for harsh treatment towards the crew, which being proved, the defendant's Certificate of Competency was suspended for Three Months. The second was to investigate charges of drunkenness and incapacity brought by the Officers, and a portion of the crew against the Master of the Ethel. This resulted in the defendant's acquittal, and the Chief Mate being severely repri- manded. The third Court was to enquire into the cause of the loss of the steamer Genkai, near Chelang Point. The Master, Officers and Crew, were acquitted and highly commended for the exertions they made to save the Vessel.

GUNPOWDER STORAGE.-Ordinance No. 4 of 1867.

36. In consequence of an explosion on board a hulk containing about 100 tons of Gunpowder, moored at Kowloon, it was deemed necessary to bring the storage of Gunpowder under the immediate control of the Government. purpose was therefore purchased and fitted as a floating magazine. The Ordinance is in full working order, 31,777 packages, A hulk for this containing nearly 330 Tons of Gunpowder, have been delivered since June last.

37. There has been one conviction under this Ordinance, but as the case was attended with much danger during the passage of the Ship and also for a short time to the Vessels in Harbor and to the Town, it is worthy of special attention.

38. A ship left New York with a full cargo of what the Master supposed to be non-explosive packages and consequently did not pay such particular attention to the storage as would have been the case had he known he had a quantity of Gun- powder on board. In the manifest was entered a certain number of packages of merchandize. In the meanwhile advices had been received from Shanghai by the Agents here to the effect that a number of cases of Cartridges was on board the Vessel, so that on her arrival they applied in the usual way for permission to store 394 cases in the Gunpowder Depôt. It was only then, that the Master knew he had been carrying 34 cwt. of Gunpowder.

39. The fine imposed will doubtless lead to greater care being taken at the Ports of Shipment, to state distinctly in ships' manifests if Gunpowder forms a portion of the Cargo.-I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant,

H. G. THOMSETT, R.N., Harbor Muster, &c.

To the Honorable CECIL C. SMITH,

Acting Colonial Secretary.