Sessional_Paper_1920 — Page 63

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Minute by Captain Taylour.

The draft report covers everything, I think. But I should like to give my reasons for dissenting from (a). There is no doubt that many native craft founder during typhoons out in the harbour before assistance can be rendered to them, and the crews are generally drowned. The tugs proposed to be used for towing purposes are not suit- able for picking up men in the water; they are not sufficiently handy, are of too high freeboard to make it easy to reach a man in the water and get him on board, they could not lower boats to pick them up, as no ordinary boat could exist in the heavy sea, and they would be apt to do more harm than good in this direction, by injuring the men they want to save, with the propellers and rubbing streaks. The same objections apply to the Chinese launches which are big enough to be of use for towing. The motor lifeboats I propose are specially fitted for lifesaving work, and that by reason of their not being suitable for towing, while the tugs, by reason of their being designed for towing, are not adapted for life saving.

2. As to the scale of towing charges, on reconsidering the matter, I am of opinion that heavily laden cargo boats should pay double fees, as they are not only heavier and more difficult to tow, but are more likely to founder, and are hence rescued from double danger by being towed into safety. An empty cargo boat is, of course, also harder to tow, as she holds so much wind, but as the other point (likelihood of foundering) does not apply, and she is not earning money, I don't think she should be charged extra, especially as the rest of the craft forming the tow would be apt to steady her.

10th April, 1920.

BASIL TAYLOUR,

Harbour Master, &c.