SEAMEN’S REGISTRY OFFICE.

Evening Star, Issue 4261, 23 October 1876, Page 3

SEAMEN’S REGISTRY OFFICE.

To the Editor. Sir, port, as Dunedin is becoming, I would suggest that a registry office for seamen, in connection with the Sailors’ Home, and on the same principle as other offices of the kind, be instituted. I am sure it is anything but creditable to see men hanging about tor hours together at the University corner, awaiting the advent of some captain who may want hands, or for the shipping-master, who, upon application, invariably informs one that he “ can’t make ships for men.” The shipping trade, no doubt, may be dull; but, if something of the kind I have, suggested were in operation, Jack having registered, &c., might possibly be earning a few shillings meanwhile, in- > stead of loafing about at the comer.' Some- , thing,, I believe, has been suggested with regard to a navigation School in eonnectiqn

with the Sailors' Home. That of course might be an after consideration. But one thing I would mention. There are several certified mates knocking about unable to get employment, and yet there ' are plenty of men on the coast holding no certificate at all. This surely is hardly fair to those who have passed an examination ; which, especially in England, is getting 1 stiffer every year. Besides, looking back to the several inquiries that have taken place during the past year in reference to the stranding of vessels on or about this coast, I think it would be more to the interest of masters and owners to engage men who are really competent and qualified. Apologising for trespassing on your valuable space, I am, &c, B. C. H. (qualified). Dunedin, October 19. ,