WATERMEN'S LICENSES.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 828, 22 June 1871, Page 3

WATERMEN'S LICENSES.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times an Charleston Argus). Sib, —For the information of the person who signs himself a " Licensed Waterman," and who asked a question in your last issue, I have to inform him that the 76th clause of the Harbour Regulations provides that the Harbour Master, or his deputy, may inspect all watermen's licenses at any time.

The best course for a "Licensed Waterman" was to have reported the affair to me, and if he could prove, when the time to do so came, that the person of whom he speaks had taken money for boat hire, then the offender would be liable to a penalty not exceeding ten pounds. I have told several watermen of this before, but no information has ever been laid.

Many persons take their friendß for a pull by way of recreation ; or if any perBOU chooses to pull a friend across the river or on board of a ship gratis, I am not aware of any law to prevent him. The Harbour Regulations only speak of "unlicensed" persons " plying for hire" as being liable to the penalty above mentioned.

Sometimes I have given watermen time to pay their license fees when they have been short of money. They were unlicensed for the time being, but with my sanction. Hoping that I have not intruded on your valuable space, I am, &c, S. A. Leech, Harbour Master. June 21st, 1871.