THE SHIPPING INTERESTS.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1720, 3 September 1862, Page 3

THE SHIPPING INTERESTS.

Wk beg to draw the attention of the commereial and maritime public to a letter addressed to us by Captain Escott, of the barque Royal Charlie, on the subject of a long standing evil of the utmost detriment to this port, and which, so far from diminishing, is, day by day, increasing iu magnitude—that subject is the absence of all adequate means to afford security to master mariners that seamen shipped on board their vessels at this port, signing articles, and receiving advance notes, be compelled to fulfil the engagements they have contracted. It is a matter of public notoriety that ships are being constantly detained in port, not from any want of seamen, but from the practice of men signing articles, receiving an advance, and never joining their ships. From this practice Auckland has already largely suffered, and, unless some means be adopted to check the evil, it is certain to sutler still more seriously. Numerous vessels have been obliged, after prolonged detention, to put to sea short-handed. The knowledge of this fact prevents many of the American whalemen, who would otherwise gladly come hero to refresh and relit, from venturing into a harbour where protection against desertion and the means of securing the services of men who enter are so helplessly inoperative. This is an evil of the deepest consequence to our commercial prosperity, and it behoves the Chamber of Commerce, and those who are more immediately concerned, to concert measures in remedy of so grievous an abuse. Captain Escott appears to think that the appointment of a Shipping Master—an officer recognised throughout the Australian Colonies—would have a beneficial effect. If this really be so, such an appointment cannot be made too soon. For years past the complaint of Captain Escott has been rung in our ears in every variety of terms —and wo are of opinion that the application of an effectual remedy cannot too promptly be attempted.