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40
STEAM LAUNCHES.
The launches during the past year have not all been regularly engaged in
their usual work of inspecting vessels, the "Clotho" having been laid by for
extensive overhaul and repair for practically four months, and the " David
Burnett" for two months ; thus the number of vessels visited by these
two launches has been considerably reduced, the total number visited by the
three launches amounting to 10,268, as against 11,832 for the previous year.
" Clotho."—This launch has been practically rebuilt, all unsound plates
in the hull renewed and bulwarks provided. The engines have been
overhauled and adjusted, a new propellor provided with an increase of " pitch,"
with the result that her speed per hour has been increased by a knot and a
quarter. The boiler was repaired and tested, and sundry alterations carried
out in the after-cabin, so that the accommodation for carrying patients
has been improved. The boat is faster, more seaworthy, and has been much
improved in appearance.
" David Burnett."—This launch, built in 1893, was surveyed by your
Consulting Engineer, and, on his advice, the boiler was taken out, and the tubes
renewed where necessary. The engines were overhauled, the boiler and
engine-room casing repaired and replaced in such a manner that in future,
should it be necessary to take out the boiler, the expense of cutting through
the iron decks will be avoided. The decks have been sheathed with wood.
The cost of overhauling and repairing the two launches was about 830/.
CREWS' QUARTERS.
To obtain as far as possible proper sanitary conditions under which persons
have to live on board vessels is one of the primary duties of a Port Sanitary
Authority.
For this reason it is necessary to again bring forward some of the
difficulties that are experienced in impressing upon those responsible for the
health and comfort of seamen in their employ the importance of providing
them in reason with healthy and comfortable quarters.
Shipowners are governed in their relation to seamen almost entirely by the
Merchant Shipping Act, an Act which contains clauses dealing with the
provision of accommodation for crews, and in which certain limits are laid
down as a legal minimum below which it is not lawful to go.
The officials charged with the duty of seeing that these clauses of the
Merchant Shipping are not infringed are those connected with the Marine
Department of the Board of Trade.