THE MARITIME CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 24 April 1907, Page 3

THE MARITIME CONFERENCE

INSURANCE OF STEAMERS. NEW ZEALAND LOAD LINE ADOPTED. Received 23rd, 9.27 pju. London, April 23. The Navigation Conference has resumed. Sir W. Lyne moved "That compulsory insurance for seaman Is desirable." He thought that the Government ought to pay half the premiums. Mr Hughes'said he thought Australian people would object to pay. Ultimately, at the instance of Sir ,1. G. Ward, Messrs Hughes and Dugald Thomson, a motion was adopted recommending the Commonwealth to extend the benefits of the Workmen's Compensation Acts to seamen, as was already done in the United Kingdom. The New Zealand shipowners dissented, but approved the British scheme of compulsory insurance, recommended in 1004. Sir W. Lyne proposed that the North Atlantic mark apply to a ship leaving Australia via Cape Horn. The Board of Trade expert considered it unnecessary, as steamers leaving Australia were lightened by two feet through coal consumption before reaching the storm area. At Mr Thompson's suggestion, a resolution was carried that the Commonwealth adopt the provisions of the New Zealand Act regarding the load line. The Imperial delegates abstained from voting, believing the decision rented with the colonial Governments. Sir W. Lyne witdrew his motion for a light load line for ships in ballast when the Board of Trade announced that the House of Lords' committee in 1003 reported it was unnecessary. Sir W. Lyne said that Australia could deal with the matter if necessary, and Mr Hughes concurred. The Conference admitted that Australia possessed authority, provided that all seamen be engaged through Government offices; aho to abolish advance notes and restrict the allotment of notes to relations. WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ON PASSENGER BOATS. Received 23rd. 0.27 p.m. London, April 23. Sir W. Lyne did not press his motion insisting that all vessels constructed after a certain date should be fitted with water-tight compartments when the Conference admitted it was purely a local matter within the Commonwealth's jurisdiction. Sir W. Lyne also withdrew his motion for the compulsory titling of large steamers with wireless -telegraphy, accepting Mr Thomson's motion Ihat the Board of Trade and Australian anil NewZealand Governments consider the desirability of the provision of wirele-s telegraph aboard passenger ships, which was carried. Sir W. Lyne's motion in favor of affording third-class engineers facilities to qualify for a higher grade certiiicate I was not pressed, on the Hoard of Trade promising to consider what relief was possible.