1891-02-19 — Page 7

morning.

February 14th,

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1891.

Cross-examined—The plates at the side were thoroughly scaled and scraped. I consider a thickness of 3/16 of an fuck was quite strong enough. The thickness of plates for the hold should consider thick enough if they were of an inch. In some places those plates were found 5/16 thick. I have no reason to think that Messrs. Anderson and Burate made an incorrect report, except that they were carried away by anexcess of zeal. I confined my attention to no particular part; it was general. I would think 3/16 quite thick enough for the plates of the hull of such a ship. A plate at the stem would not be strong enough if only 3/16 thick I should say 6/16 would be ample for a minimum below the water line, or below the main deck Above the main deck 4/16 would be amaple. 1 am not in a position to speak of the bottom of the ship. We filled the fore-peak to the level of the hatch with water.

We found that they had been renewed in somt The hearing of the suit was resumed this places and I think they were quite serviceable.

We selected a few of the worst corroded plates↑ Commander R. Murray Ramsey, R.N., and had them drilled and cut, and found them all | strong anaugh the requirements of that Harbour-master, recalled, said thick scale quite TOE NEW for the out from undertas of rust does not in my opisies depreciate bollers and we found everything well and streng, the iron. The keelson and intercostals the cement strongly adhering to the iron. We seemed to be in a good condition and fairly afterwards went all round the ship again, one of good where seen, except one of the latter ptaking notes. That was on the morning of the boilers. Five intercostals had been renewed. In the baller space. I did not are them renewed, the third day. I did not see her in dock and I The but they looked much better than the others. ever saw the outside of her bottoms. Three claws had been renowed under tke bollers.eral conclusion I came to was that she was Where the new plate was fixed on to the old quite fit for any service on the coast of Chias. plato, the latter appeared to be good. The claws generally, were in fairly good with the exception of the one I have maationed: I examined the main and reresse frames in that portion of the ship and found them in the fore hold, examined in alne places under the cement, and found them is excellent condition, as so the plating. Some reverse frames were defective, but where so they had been doubled. To the after-hold the same remarks would apply. The plating above, the main deck was cut through in five places on the port side and two places on the starboard alde, selecting, apparently, the worst places. On the starboard side we found ong placa è of ap Inch, and the other 3-16th.;

The latter pista was selected as being the worst on that side of the ship. The result of the testing proved that they ware good and serviceable. On the port side the plates were found to be g-16th, of sn lach in thickness and were in good condition. On the port side forward the plate was drilled and hammered severely, it being thin. From the position of the plate I could not say whether it had bass worn by the chain or the anchor. With regard to the plating above the load line, it was good. With regard to the butt straps on the "keel they were found in good condition—and serviceable.. The keal plates I considered antiafactory, On the wlad, and water line wa drilled thirteen holes is the starboard and fifteen holes in the part alde. The result was that, with the exception of one plate aft, the whole was found in excellent condition. Under the boller space we found several places where new, cement had been added to the old cament, We found it all good, both new and old. Thị | plating in the hold when uncovered was found la particularly good condition. The Court of Survey found it unnecessary to take up all the cement in the skip. There had been two angle Irons added to the collision bulkhead, appareatly to strengthen or stiffenit. In the Court of Survey the Crown Solicitar represented the Government; Mr. Francts the H. C. and M. S. Co and Messrs. Caldwell and Wilkinson Instructed Mr.

Robinson on behalf the owner,

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Re-examined do not know Lloyd's rules for the thickness of a keel-streak, For a ship in the river service 3/16 would be quite thick enough for plater above the main deck. I am aware toere are Lloyd's rules for river steamers. I have kaand that Mesiru. Anderson, and Burnie are Lloyd's survayors.

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His lordship-He was not an insurer, was he? Witness-No, my lord, but he wanted it probably for other motives.

The Attorney General said the receipt of Messrs. Butterfield and Swire's letter was date the 23rd November.

Chan Kin, std-I have done repairs on the' but it had only been partially done. As I saw hẹn Pasig at times for the owner and have been paid on that date she was not safe for river traffic. On by him..

the 21st November I made a report to the loci At this point the Attorney-General admitted insurance companies, viz:-The North China, the account, and by direction of his lordship the| The China Traders, Yangisan, On Tal, Man On further examination of the witness was dispensed and Union. Some days sterwards Me. Arnold with.

called upon me and asked for a copy of my report Chay Mun Tong, master of the Tung Shing on the Pasig. I declined to give it without first: Engineering shop, sald a firm executed repairs getting the permission of the instrance com to the Pasig lo 1886.

panies. He asked me to get the permission, but A Jurer-We are quite satisfied, my lord, as am not sure whether he got it himself. I after- to the expenses laid out on the Pasig and her wards gave him the report. At the time Mr. detention, what we want is the case for the Arnold thought the report was short and he defence. We want to know what the defence is. † wanted a more full report.

The Attorney-General then made bis opening address, in the course of which he pointed out that the jury had to decide whether the Governor had "reasonable and probable causo” for the detention of the Pasig. He read several letters written by Mr. Thomas Arnold, Mr. E. Mackintosh, and the Colonial Secretary with the object

of showing that

the Cavernor was fully justified in the courie he took. In one of their felters Messrs. T. and E. Mackintosh contended that the Court of Survey was not legally constituted, there being nostipendiary magistrate on the Court, and they denied all liability in respect to the action taken by the Governor, owing to the fact that the Court, of Survey was held too late to prove the defective state of the hull which was, in the intervening time, repaired. He admitted that the Paul was detained for 12 days, but con- tended that the detention, was justifiable; and even if the jury found that the ship was in a safe | condition, still there was "reasonable and pro- bable cause" for the delay.

more strict than those of Veritas, the minimum His lordship-It is now a quarter-past five. - thickness below the water line must be 8/16ths I know if Mr. Robinson once gets steam up, it is amidship, 6/16ths towards the ends, and 7/16.hs, vem diffi ult to stop him, and we will therefore at the garhard streaks. In the case, of the adjourn till to-mer, ow mitning. Pasig I gnuged some plates in conjunction with: The Fuieman-We do not wish to hear Mr. Captain Bursis, I was not satisfied with the Robinson. We simply wish to have the law on finding of the Court. I saw ber after she had been the subject pointed out to us by your fordship, nshore. I wanted to take a photograph, of her His lordship-Do you waive your right to as she was, in deck, but the captain laterfered address the jury, Mr. Robinson ? with me and I did not get the photograph. I do not know whether she was seaworthy on the 5th, February. I know she was not fit for insurance risks on the 17th November

Mr. Robinson-Yes, on the whole case. It will only be necessary for me to address them 30 10 the number of days claimed for. My friend ind I do not agree on that point. 1

His lordship Do you wish still to go upon that palat in the amendment of the petition ?

Mr. Robinson-Yes, my lord,

His lordship-Very well. I will allow the mendment of the petition by striking out special passenger licence", and altering "Sec.

Cross-examined-1 made my report to ite insurance companies. I know how it get into the hands of the shipping companies. M' Arnold came to me and asked for a copy of my report. I refused to give it and he went w stairs and saw the head of the department,sion to Section 1o.! I think you are entitled Hell-Irving I believe, and I was ordered to give him a copy of the report. I only made the report for the Canton Insurance Co.

A Juror I would like to ask the witness the thickness of the plates at the water-lines of the H. C. & M. S. B. Co's river steamers,

Witness-They are not insured here now, but with it 2 Arnold

I used to survey them. The thickness of the plates of the Pawan, at the water-line and below- the main deck, is 5/16ths of an inch.

At this point the Court adhuraed antil Monday.

- February 16th.

The bearing of this sult was resumed to-day. By his lordship Mr. Ramsey was my superThe following evidence was taken for the intendent engineer la the Canadian Pacific Com-defence pany. He is no way blassed my opinion when I Captala Burale raid—I would like to make a was a member of the Court of Survey. Ha'lo no statement, my lord, before I am examined. way intimated er painted out to me or any other His lordship -You can make any statement member of the Court what part of the ship to you wish to add afterwards, examine. I went there quite usbfassed,

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A Juror—If the wituces had found the Pasig in the same state as Capt. Ramsey had found her, would, he (witness), as a practical man, have passed her,"

Witness--I have no menzs of knowing how be found her.

"Continuing—I know there was a Court of Survey. I have no knowledge of what that Court did.

The Alterney-General-Could any board of urvey have come to a safe conclusion without taking out the ceiling, cement, and the boiler?

Witness-They might have arrived at a safe conclusion by gutting the ship, taking out the cement and beating all the rust off the plating and scantlings, without taking out the boiler, and drifting the ship properly.

The Attorney-General-Was Mr. James au experienced man?

Witness-I'da uot think he would bayc as much experience as myself with respect to merchant ships. The same would apply to Messrs. Laird and Todd. I made suggestions before the Court sat.

A Juzor-You say Mr, James would not have the same experience as yourself. Would be not have great experience of Her Majesty's ships?

Witness He might have experience of war ships,, but the Pasig was a vessel of twenty year of age and I had a great deal of experience of her.

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By his lordship-What did Mr. Arnold want

Witness I cannot say,

Continuing act by Veritas rules with res pect to classing of ships. I looked at the Pasig to ascertain if she was a good risk for insurance. The question was her se worthiness. I did not consider her fit to carry any cargo whatsoever. For the Canton trade a vessel must be very safe, indeed. There were defects in the veisel which rendered her unfit for insurance. My report had nothing to with pas. scogeri. I did not make the report for the ship ping companies. I was on board twice or thrice whilst she was at Wenchal. I do not think the Court of Survey could arrive at may satisfactory conclusion with respect to her bottom if they bored twenty-seven holes in the cement.

By a jurar-I bave been a marine surveyor 'sloce 1883. I knew Mr. James, I never cxamined any ships with him. I never examincă | the filipinas with him or yet any other steamer, He was raval constructor, here, but his duties were no more than that of a draughtsman. 1 should not say he was a man of much experience. He might see to repairs with respect to the fleet, but he does no constructing.

o that. Now what about the number of days ? I ce you claim up to the 18th February for deten- tion and you admit that the ship was released in the 16th Februsty.

Mr. Robinson-The ship was not able to start running till the 18th February. She had to come round from the dock and be got ready. That is part of the loss,

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His lordship-Well, I suppose that can be settled.

Mr. Robinson-1 will now address the jury on the other point.

His lordship What other point? Mr. Robinson-With regard to Section 5 His lordship-But I have already given you. that. I have allowed the amendment."

Mr. Robinson I thinic, in the interests of my client, I ought to address the jury on that point. His lordship Then we adjou'n till to-morrow morning.

Mr. Robinson-I shall not be ten minutes. His lordship-You cannot have it both ways. I know very well if you begin we shall be here till seven o'clock.

The Court then adjourned.

February 17th.

The case was resumed this morning,

Mr. Robinson said the jery might think that His lordship-A ship being in dock, I ask you

it was impertinent for him to address them after As a practical man, do you not think it would be,they must understand that he did so because it was the expression of opinion they gave yesterday, but unfair to make a report dated the 41st when you his duty to his client to address them on one referred as to how you found her on the 17th?

for insurances.

Witness--Our object was to make a report

His lordship-Dld, you know that Captain Burnie had passed her in June 1886 ?

Witness-Yes, for river service.

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holding the certificate for seven days, had been at of provisionally detaining the vexas! for admitted, and with regard to the second part,

fourteen days, fram the 5th to the 18th February, he maintained it was unjustifiable, and although she was released on the 16th, yet they were entitled for all the incapabilities of being unable to make the voyage till the 18th. He then law and also drew their attention to the addressed the jury on the question of fact that if they found for his client the damages were to be assessed by the Registrar, Mr. Ackroyd, a gentleman who had appeared as counsel in the early part of the case against bim

point. The first part of the claim, that of with-

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His lordship,then summed up the evidence at

in the employ of the Dock Company.

John Wallace said-I am an iron ship-builder

remember the Paily coming into Kowloon dock on the 28th February, 1889, after being in collision. Her stem was broken and five plates indented on either side. Those plates were taken out, and two keel plates. The plates were next to the stem in a vertical position. I did not notice any of the plates next to them. New plates were put in. The plates produced were taken out of her because of being fractured, Their thicknesses are as follows 1-5/16thx_4/16 full, 3/16ths full, 3/16 fact, 4/16ths. The butt some-length, and read several points of law and under-frames 4/16 hs full, 4/16 two keel bearing upon the question at issue. He finally plates 7/16ths, a little thin in the centre, I am not said the questions for the jury to consider were Certain of the hot plate measurement. All those-first, was there any wrongful delay in the plates were below the main deck. The thick granting of the license, having regard to the nesses I have mentioned I consider quite thick necessity of the Governor being satisfied, and enough for a vessel engaged in passenger traffic how many days? Second, was the ship sale Mr Wagner superintended the repair. There

or unsafe, when the was provisionally detained, were no other plates removed. I do not know having regard to the service for which she was whether any other plates were ordered to be taken intended? Third, if safe was there any probable out because they were too thin.

and reasonable cause for the detention ? And fourth; how many days, in case they found for the plaintiff, was the ship detained" under the pro- visional order, for the purpose of damages ?

The jury retired and after a short absence the foreman said the jury had agreed upon their verdict. Their answers to the questions were as follows

Cross-examined-I have besa a marine surveyor since 1877. I have superintended the building of ships. I have been connected with ships and ship-building since I was 13 years of age. I am not aware of Mr. Wagner's experience, to the Government Marine Surveyor at that time. I represent the insurance offices in Hongkong. I receive a salary and am their servant. I am not aware the owner of the Pasfg did not want in- suzance. There are owners who do not want insurance My note at the end of my report does not necessarily mean that the Pasig was unseaworthy, My reports to the insurance com. panics were confidential. I cannot say what persons gave me permission to hand a copy of my report to Mr. Arnold. Ambip may be able to carry coolics and not cargo, the Pasig for instance. A ship may be able to carry light cargo and yet not lumber. For Lloyds a ship must be able to carry cargo. My declining, to class her was because she was unfit to carry cargo. Lloyds have rules for ocean-going ships and for river service alta. Lloyds have no auch rules in Hongkong. In 1886 her class was omitted. I know nothing about whether Veritas has rules for river service boats. If there are such rules they would be distinctly different between river service and ocean-going boats. I have no knowledge of the river steamers on the Thames. My reason generally for making my report was that she was not unfficiently repaired. I examined the ship at Aberdeen on the 14th probably there about two hours. I never saw the finding of the Court, but to the best of my belief I read it in the newspaper. When the Pasig ran ashore and carried away her stem, afterwards steaming back to Hongkong, I con- sidered that a good test of the collision bulkhead. I remember when being examined at the_the Court of Survey I said some of her best plates had been taken out. I had previously put those plates in the ship. *--

Witness-There is a statement in the finding of the Court of Survey that is not correct. It that on no occasion does it appear that says, either of the witnesses or surveyors were actually on board the vessel below the main deck That is distinctly untrue. The evidence of witnesses examined at the Court was not read over to them accompanied by

By a juror-I cannot say that it is the rule of the dock to keep old plates taken out of vessels Crost-examined.--The China was on the slip way with a broken stem at the same time thệ Pasig was in dock. The plates produced were under the water some twenty-four hours before being taken out.

- several ships under construction and understand ship. What they observed was from the outside i My remarks at the time were :-"lop.side plating November with Captain Anderson. We were difference in the plates since the time they were granting of the passenger license, having te

Re-examined.-Mr. James fully concurred in my opinions.

First was there any wrongful delay in the gard to the necessity of the Governor being. satisfied, and how many days 7-Yes;'eix days. Second was the 'ship safe or unsafe, when she was provisionally defalped, having regard to the services for which she was intended P-Safe. "Third, if safe was there any reasonable and probable cause for the detention ?—No.

Fourth: how many days, in case you find for the plaintiff, was the ship detained under the provisional order, for the purpose of assessing damages 7-Fourteen days.

The jury added that they thought." the Board their finding was correct, and that the letters of Survey was, properly constituted and that

of, complaint sent to the Governor by Messrs. Butterfeld & Swire and the Steamboat Com- foundation whatever."

By the Attorney-General:—I have been marine J. W. Stavmy wald--I am captain of the Pasty, surveyor in Hongkong since 1877. The Farie I joined her in June, 1887, after she came out of has been repaired several times under, my the Kowloon Dack. I discovered what was done supervision. Her class at Lloyds was reversed to the vessel by the Kwong Hep Long shop, in 1886. I suparatended her repairs in 1886 when she was overhauled from September to and certified her as fit for river service, but not November, 1888. The work was done under my de a sea-going steamer. In September, 1888, supervision. The Government Surveyor called I went on board the Parig, whilst she was under on beard several times. Captain Burnie was on repairs at Wanchal, in the interests of the board three times. I went to Aberdeen Dock Insurance companies. I examined her on the with the ship early in November. At that time 19th September. The old boller was then out the contract of Kwong Hep Loong was not of the ship. I went on board and went down entirely finished. I and the chief engineer ware Into the boller space. The Captala was present by the ship all the time whilst in dock. Captains at the time. The floors, reverse frames, intercostal Cross-examined-The application was for an Burnie and Anderson came twice to the ship and wash-plates under same, including keelson ordinary certificate, and as far wa I know the | together whilst there. On the first occasion and angles were destroyed. wrote to the owner Governor was neverasked. Therawxsnawrongful ❘ they went under the ship's bottom and round twice on that day. A latter was read in which detention under Section 8 of Ordinance 8 1879, the ship. They did not come on board. "I witness made certain complaints as noticed by I am aware that the Parig az iste a rock spoke to them. They marked some plates him when on board, to which he received à reply In March, 1889, and had to undergo some repairs, they recommended to come out. They marked from the owner telling him; his services were I do not know whether she underwent extensive six plates and. I had them takes out. They not required. I wrote again the same day s repaire or not. I do not know if Mr. Wagner | were the same plates that Mr. Wagner bad and received similar reply the following day, went, but the probability le that he did, he being | marked and bored. Captains Anderson and On the 13th October I visited the Pasig again the Marine Surveyor. I do not know if she Burale marked about three more, but they and found they had pieced the floors, leaving eventually had only a three months' certificate were not taken out, because Mr. Wagner did not the defective parts, and had moved only a I know she has a passenger certificate now, consider it necessary. They were then sent small part of the cement, some three luches la but I cannot say whether it for three, for to go on board H.M.S. Leander, which breadth, at the sides of the flaws. In my or six months, or a year. 1 heard she wai was in clock at the time. On another occasion opinion, that was not the proper way. These repaired in 1886, but I do not know any, they came again to the ship and looked at the way were tried by my hammer and the thing about it personally. It is quite possible place were the plates had been taken out, most hammer went through them. The other flaws that during our examination we might have come particularly in the forepeak. 1,neither invited them were in the same state as before. To put new across the frames that had been put in at that or yet objected to them corning to the ship. The cement over the old, as they did, was very im- time, but I think it highly improbable that every holds had at that time been thoroughly scaled proper work. In addition, none of the inter thing we examined had been renewed in 1886. and painted, but the fore-peak was not finished. costal plates had been put back, and the rust bad I do not consider myself an expert inship-build. The position of the plates taken out was one on not been taken off the scantlings or the wood ing and ship-construction, but I know a good deal the bow, two at the starboard bilge, and three at taken off the old flaws. The remaining part of more than some experts and a good deal less than the port bilgs. The plates of the starboard bilge the old days, on the reverse frames, stringers, others. Ishouldsay Messrs. Anderson and Burnia which were taken out would be about amidships, angles, &c., in the machinery and boiler space; would naturally know more about such mattore partly in the boiler space and partly in the fore-were still in the same state as when I first saw than I do, from the positiear they hold. It was the bold, I saw both Captains Anderson and Burnle them. She was still undergoing repairs on the rath first survey I ever made, but I have spen looking into that place into the interior of the November, at Wanchai, when I again visited her.

By his lordship. There is no percepitble the business. Mr. Wagner Dever assisted in of the ship. Whilst the ship was laid at very bad, some of the awning deck beam-ends any form at the Court of Surrey. We examined Wanchal Captala Anderson came on board. He bad, a number of defective rivets visible in the

taken out. I have been seven years in the Dock the special defects alleged by Messts, spoke to me and handed me his card. He stood bull" I may mention that on the first and

Company's service, I never had anything to do Anderson and Burnie, and I did notice one defect at the 'ween decks and looked down the boller second occasions the captain was present, and on

with the repairs of the Parig previously. I do complained of by them which had been renowed, space. That was as near as he got to the another occasion the engineer was present. It

not think she was in Kowloon Dock before. was the breast hook and two angle-troas on bottom. 1 think we came out of Aberdeen was my duty to examine all ships undergoing

The Attorney-General said he would first ask the fore side of the blukhead that apposted to Dock on the 22nd or 23rd November, 1889. repairs, with regard to insurance. On the 14th

the jury to look at the position of the Governor be new. The upper deck stringer-plate was I went to the office of the Colonial Secretary to November '1 visited the Pasig in Aberdeen Dock

in this

case. He received the leiters from pointed out by them as being defective and I inquire if I could go to Canton on the night of in company with Captain Anderson. We saw the

Messrs. Butterfield and Swire and the Steamboat found that a new plate had been added to the 2015 November. The papers, I understood. captain of the ship but I do not think he old one.

The breast-hook might have been find been sent in. They told me they had

Company, with the reports by Captains Burnie was present with us around the ship,

and Anderson, and upon these he had acted. The done whilst she was running and also the angle not get the license. I went again to the office. The foreman of the dock was with us. I

first letter was sent on aznd November, calling Irons on the collaton bulkhead, but it is highly at a p.m. on the 26th and they told me the faw the bottom plating was badly pitted and

the attention of the Governor to the danger in- improbable. The malo deck stringer-plate license was detained. I did not go to Caton in a defective state. The plate, ends at the

cutred by passengers on the Pasig, and pointing could not possibly have been so done. I think that night. We got the certificate on the 4th fore-foot were wom out. The pintles were worn

out that it was a most perilous thing to allow her, fitters could be working on board batween the December. We sailed for Canton on the 27th cat of the rudder, and the plates of the awning

to travel between Hongkong and Canton and dates of 27th November and the $th December, November with twelve passengers and carge. deck were in a defective state. Frame rivets in

Macao. That letter simply, if it had not been $889+

We continued.running until we got the pas plating below main deck were started and broken, senger certificate,

notice of, hat the Governor was between the 27th November and the 6th Dec, awning deck had been removed and the wood on board on the 14th November, and I was placed in a very peculiar position, because at the or yet laid up in any way. On the 6th December water-way had been left on the upper deck. That below the main deck, inside the ship, on the 17th, same time an application was made by the owner we carried 185 passengers. That was our being left it showed the upper deck stringer plate I took exception to that statement when I read of the Pasig for a parregar certificate. Mr. first voyage with the passenger certificate. We had not been repaired at that time, and it was in it in the papers, and I got a letter from homeWagner reported satisfactorily on the vessel, were running the whole time between the 6th and a very bad state. The scantlings, between the reprimanding me for making a report on such and then these two surveyors, gentlemen of the 20th December. The sundry repairs, as main and awning decks were in a bad state, bath an insufficient survey. I received the letter experience, reported adversely, in the ordinary noted on the bill produced of Kwong Hep Loong, fore and aft The most important of those defects from Lloyds committee.

exercise of their duty to their employers. When were accomplished whilst we lay in Hongkong, were the awning deck stringer plates, the awning

the Governor had these contradictory reports The tenth ordinary annual meeting of David Todd, chief engineer of the steamer generally from the Saturday to the Sunday night deck beam ends and the frames. On the 17th Para Nang, of the Scottish Oriental Company, On the 23rd February, 1889, the ship ran November I again visited the Parts with Captain

granted. That brought them to the first part of Street, at noon to-day (Feb: 14th) There before him he referred the matter to the Attorney-shareholders of the above Company was held General and ultimately the certificate was Bald-I was a member of the

at the offices of the General Agents, Pedder's Court ashore on Tung-chow island during a fog. Anderson, at Aberdeen dock. We found the out- of Servay that sat, upon the Pang. At that The Court of Sarvey released the vessel on side plating at the water-line had been drilled

the claim, that for withholding the passenger present-Messrs. J. J. Keswick (Chairman), Į. time I was chief engineer of the Canadian Pacific the 18th and we came out of dock on the 19th in places on each side of the ship about six

certificate for seven days. Technically that Ce's steamer Batavia. 1: retiember the 5th February. We were going about four knots at or seven holes on each side. Some plates had

part of the claim was all wrong, but even if it February, 1889, when the Court of Survey first sat. the time of running ashore. We damaged the been taken, out of the ship in the engine

were amended the claim would not stand. The I remember Massrs. Anderson and Barale being stem and five plates on either side. The ship and boiler space. A plate had been taken

Govenor was not required to give a certificate examined, I remember the Court adjourned on wardetained for an hour to ascertain if we were out of the starboard bow. We gauged the

till he was satisfied that everything was in order, the afternoon of the 6th and we went on board the making water, and finding we were not, I came thickness of the plates where they had been

and he was not so satlifed till the 4th December. Paste. Weexamined herthoroughly, together with back to Hongkong at half-speed. The collision drilled. They should have been: the plate-keel

With regard to the second part of the claim, that The Chairman said:-Gentlemen, in submit- Comdr. Rumsey and Messia, Laird and James. balkhead prevented the ship making water. We to/16ths in the middle of the ship and 8/16ths at

with regard to the detention of the vessel for ting to you the Report and Accounts of the past We began forward and examined all the frames had a cargo of salt at the time and it was not the end of the ship. The thickness of the

fourteen days for surrey, the Jury must year, I do not find that they leave much for me and folshed that part of the ship at the collisten damaged in the least. The cargo was discharged plates at the middle part of the ship, according bulkhead. We hammered that thoroughly and and the vessel afterwards west fato dock. The to her tonnage, should have been 7/16th, and

so detained and examined, was found to be will observe yields the same return as in 1889, "not" assume" because the ship, after being to say in reference to your business, which you afterwards we bored several holes in the plates. repairs cost about $7,000. It was a pretty the rest of the plating 8/16the below the main

seaworthy, that, argo, some one must pay for viz, 14 per cent on the capital. The sales of ice We left the fore-prak at that time for the purpose serious accident. gr. TEN PONDR

deck. The shear-streak 7/16ths. She was

such detention. The Ordinance only required have been practically the same in quantity sa of having it filled with water. A quantity of Cross-examined-I cannot say how much built under Lloyd's special survey and classed

the Governor to pay compensation when there the previous year, although there has been some coment was ordered away, and then we went money was expended on her in 1887. There ABI in 1877. Shalost her class la 1886 through

was no reasonable or probable cause for such variation in the amounts distributed to the Into the boiler room, examining all the-flooring was between $15,000 to $20,000 spent in 1888. want of repairs. At that time she was not con-

detention. The question In this case was-Was various lines of steamers and to Coast Ports platen, with hammer tests. I found several Between the syth November and the time of the sidered worth repairing. I had surveyed her

there any reasonable or probable cause for such &c. It is to be hoped that if the general demand plates had bean renewed, 4 about 6%, sitting of the Court of Survey no extensive before that time. I certified her for river traffic

detention ? He would ask them to consider this from various points does not increase, that it will port and starboard of the centre of repairs were made. The breast book was pat la but never for sast The thicknesses of the

question very thoroughly because otherwins i tot, at all events, diminish, as the Company's the ship. Their condition was fairly good witle in Aberdeen DockSeveral of the stringer plating, including the rust, which had not been and serviceable. We next examined the plates were doubled whilst at Wanchal in 1816. scaled, were at the water lilass, port side, working Captain Anderson said-3 am marine

would make it very difficult to detald any ship plant will be equal to an Increased production if coal bankers and each traite, and found part There were not any plates taken out whilst ske forwards, after-hold 6/16ths, 4/16ths, and Surveyor, I made a report on the 21st November,

for the purpose of survey. The Governor had required. The New Ammonia Compression of the bunker plates had been renewed. Was undergoing reading in the dock after the 5/16ths 8,5/161ks lent, 3/16-bs leas, 3/16ths) that they were only making patch-work job by the reports of two competent surveyors He

no wish to detain the ship

e ships he only did so at the machine, which I mentioned at the last annual erdered the coal to be removed and found that accident, owing to their being thin. The pixies 3/16ths less, 4/16ths by

18:8, ofthe Pasig. My report was to the effect request of two firms of high standing, backed up being working order at a caly moeting had been ordered, has now arrived, and part in good condition. We examined the taken out were noe mansured by me. We have fore-hold, commencing forward at the stem, of the repairs, and that I could not accept her would ask the jury if they had been placed in the date. You will observe that, we apply to engine-room calling and found it in a fair stats, "Epassenger (license for three months. Mr. (starboard side) 3/16ths, 5/32th, (a plats that for local risks. I made my report on the 1st same position, if they had received the letters the reduction of Property. Account $14,000, The anging-room bulkhand on the starboard side Wagner was present during the repairs In Kow had been taken out for renewal) 3/16ths, 4/16ths and it refers to how the vessel was on the and the raporte, would they not have considered which you will doubtless consider desir was found a little defective in! one part: loon Dock in 1889, una bona match

4/16th, 6/16th, 6/16ths; boller-space, 5/16th, 17th. Jam aware that the finding of the knocked my hammer, through it. The rest of examined. We bed a yearly license, after. 3/16th, 16th, 16th. They were a 1/16th Court of Surrey differed from my report doke) Suppose that ship had been allowed to due regard to the claims of this Account. The it their duty to have acted as the Governor had able, and it will be well in faturs to bare the bulkhead was in fair condition. The condi- wards was of alue months, and since then we less than they should have been. I got inside Captain Rumsey in his finding stated that neither proceed to sea and had struck a rock and two or premises at the depot in town, which formerly tion of the bulkhead was quite strong enough to only have had three months licenses. Mr. the boiler space, whilst guaging the plates. The Mr. Burnie nor myself were inside the ship, three hundred passengers had been lost, what were leased at $350 per month, we have been resist water. We afterwards want in the chiple Wagner told me that he had reduced the length boller was then in the ship. The same state of That was incorrect, because Captain Barale bad would have been said of the Governor in allow unable to find tenant for, but now as in bottom, where the ballast had been removed, and of time from one year to nine months, because affairs existed as to defects as when I visited the been in and I stood outside. Whilst Captaiding the ship to proceed on her journey after negotiation to let them at $150 per month. I we found, several of the reverse barn. had been we were running the ship too hard and the boller ship at Wanchai. The frames and reverse Burnie was faside I heard him say, "I am afraid receiving those letters and reports He would have no further remarks to make, gentlemen, reduced in strength, and in some parts doubled, had not chance of being cleaned out. We frames in the coal bunker space were good to strike the collision bulkhead too hard with ask them, therefore, to paure and consider before but I will be glad to reply to say questions We examined the after-hold as far as we could used to make three trips to Cantos and one trip bat in the fore-peak they were in a bad state, THY hammer for fear it may go through." He coming to a decision on the second part of the before proposing the adoption of the report and and found everything, quite satisfactory. W to Macro every week at that time, we

refer new to the 17th November. The main drew my attention, to the main deck stringer claim. Did they think that Captains Burnie accounts. There being no questions, I beg to afterwards went into the main hold and ordered By kin lordship No material work was ever deck stringer plate was rusted through, and plates, which ware honey.combed through and and Anderson would give these reports unless propose the adoption of the report and accounts. the bailast, in the after-hold to be removed accomplished whilst the ship was running. The the breast hook in the fore-peak was the same through. According to my report I considered they really believed the ship was to the condition D. McCullock seconded, and the motion was where it had not been examined. In the satin angle frous to stiffen the collision bulkhead were The collision bulk-head was very thin, I had the vessel was actually in that condition they stated P. Having regard to the evidence unanimously carried at hold we examined all the frames and at the put in whilst at Aberdeen Dock. I got notice of previously filled up the fore peale when she on the 17th November. When I made that had been called as to the condition of the W. H. Wallace proposed the re-elect of same time the collision bulkhead, which and the Coast of Survey on the 31st January, 1889. was undergoing repairs, and had cemented that report I had no idea it was going to be sent hi having regard to the representations made Mt. Thomas Arnold as auditor. been filled with water. It leaked at one balty Nothing was done between that date and the the sides for the purpose of strengthening to the Government. It was quite confidential to the Governor, and having regard to the F. Ci'da Rozi seconded. bat the leakage in no way affected the day the Court commenced their survey. I saw the bulk-head. The lower part of the repost for the insurance companies On the reports of Captains Burnie and Anderson, he sexworthiness of the ship: Next day we examined. Wagner several times on board the ship plate ad esse more than half word Burnie pointed out to me the condition of the able q. probable cause for detaining the ship. was considerably reduced by wear 14th, when we were at Aberdeen, deck, Captain would ask them whether, there was not reaSON if the places where the cement had been removed, whilst at Aberdeen Dock

tear and found that in no part had the lion deteriorated By: Juror On whose behalf did Captalas away. I tried the keel with my hammer and in upper deck stringer, and Ismiso noticed the If they thought there was not they nood not In the mala-hold. We ammland the after-hold. Andersos and Burnie go on board the ship the fore and after parts it felt thin. I had no wooden, water way had not becaremored, so that trouble, themselves with fixing the amount of and found it in good condiisen". Weramamined wklot at Wanchal for pro

menos of gauging it owing to the cement in the If any repairs had bown affected they must have - Camages, as it had already been arranged to the 'ivoin dečke kad all the otsingur and to plates,

ship, « The bement should have bebe demotedy 3 been done alter the 19thị. Láøyds rates are a little, Dave that question so the Registrar,"

We were not in "dock I was on board the ship on this occasion. The and so we had no means of correcting it. I went taken very little reports, would have been pany were unjustifiable and were without any

By his lordship-I am not aware of any particular repairs between the 5th December and the time of the survey. A notice was given on the 30th January to stop the ship, and between that date and the 4th February, when the Court of Survey sat, I am not aware of anything being done to the ship.

-हे

By his lordship-I examined the ship in 1886. My report of her then was that she was us insur beek, was too thin for ocean-going service, insurable. Her hull, both below and above the

but I passed her as a good risk for river or inland service. In June, 1887, I made another report with the same remarks. That would take herup to Jang, 1888. She ran during the whole of that time without accident, I knew Mr. Wagner, the acting Government Marine Surveyor. He was a practical man. I bave not knowledge whether he was superlatending the boilers of the Pasig. I cannot account for the diffrent statements made by myself and Captain Anderson and those made by Messrs. Rumsey and Todd. In 1886 a quantity of the cement in the ship was removed, excepting In the engine and boiler space. The cement was broken up, owing the ship having been ashore. No cement was taken out during the survey of 18879 20 de Man W

By a furor-I should consider the cement taken out in twenty-seven places and the plate drilled very good teaty still fiis possible to miss some places.

Mr. Robinson applied for fait costs, including special fury, which were granted,

THE HONGKONG ICE COMPANY,

LIMITED...

Ball-Irving, W. Parlane, D. McCulloch, F. C. da Roza, W. H. Wallace, W. H. Gaskell, K. McK. Ross, G. S. Coxon, C. S. Taylor, H. Maclean, and C. F. Harton (Secretary)

The Secretary having read the notice con- vening the meeting, g

and

The Chairman put the motion to the meating

'was carried nam'cono 5.

The Chairman said that was all the business before the meeting, and he thanked those present for thelf attendance. The dividend Warrant would be laused on Monday next. The meeting then termisstad,