No. 124.
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29TH NOVEMBER, 1862. 337
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
The following Finding of the Marine Court appointed under Ordinance No. 11 of 1860 to inquire into the loss of the British Barque James Lemon, and which has been confirmed by His Excellency the Acting Governor under the 5th Provision of Section 242 of The Merchant Shipping Act 1854, is published for general information.
By Order,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 27th November, 1862.
W. H. ALEXANDER, Acting Colonial Secretary.
FINDING.
The Court having carefully considered the evidence given, conclude:
Firstly,To note that when a Marine Court is necessary it should be held as speedily after the occurrence calling it forth as possible when the circumstances attending it are fresh in the recollection of the witnesses, and when it is probable that the greater number of witnesses will be forthcoming to give evidence.
Secondly, That the Ship's Log of the James Lemon is dificient in many particulars, which it is desirable should have been noted therein, viz. :
The course and distance made during the twenty-four hours.
The bearing and distances of Shoals or Land at Noon, and the ordinary leakage made by the Ship.
The Court deems it right to express its opinion that Masters of Ships should be particular in directing and observing that the fullest particulars are regularly entered by those having charge of the Log.
Thirdly, The loss of the Barque James Lemon is clearly attributable to the Nor-West currents for which the Master did not make sufficient allowance.
Fourthly, That when the vessel struck the first duty of the Master after furling sails should have been to get an Anchor out on the starboard bow and "hove taut," although the circumstance of this case show that even had this been done the result would not have been changed.
Fifthly, The James Lemon appears to have been a well-ordered Ship in the fullest sense, and the Ship's Log although wanting in some particulars was faithfully kept.
Sixthly, It is considered that the want of making allowance for the currents arose from error of judgment, and not from neglect. The Court therefore returns to the Master and Chief-Mate their respective Certificates.
Victoria, Hongkong, 25th November, 1862.
C. MAY,
1st Police Magistrate. ROBT. MCMURDO, Acting Harbor Master.
P. RYRIE,
Justice of the Peace. G. H. HEATON, Govt. Marine Surveyor. JOHN TOWNSEND, Commander "Fort William.”
Confirmed,
W. T. MERCER, Acting Governor.
No. 125.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
1. It is hereby notified that Colonial Postage Stamps will be issued from the Treasury and General Post Office of this Colony on and after the 8th December next.
2. These Stamps represent the following amounts in value:-
Two Cents,.. Eight Cents, Twelve Cents,.. Eighteen Cents, Twenty-four Cents, Forty-eight Cents, Ninety-six Cents,
.or One Penny.
Four Pence. .Six Pence. ..Nine Pence.
.One Shilling. ..Two Shillings. .Four Shillings.
3. They will be issued in exchange for the Current Dollars of the Colony.
4. It must be understood that the Postage Labels of this Colony are alone available for the pay- ment of postage on correspondence posted at the General Post Office in IIongkong, or the Agencies thereof at Whampoa, Canton, Macao, Swatow, Amoy, Foochow-foo, Shanghae, Ningpo, Nagasaki and Yedo, and that except in the case of correspondence sent by Officers and Seamen, serving on board Her Majesty's Ships, British or Imperial Postage Stamps are not available for the payment of letters, &c., addressed to the United Kingdom.
5. Their use will for the present be optional.
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