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83
It would be neither reasonable nor practicable to insist that all the requirements
for new ships should be applied to existing ships; nevertheless, a new standard has
been set. Those shipowners, naval architects and shipbuilders who have not in the
past studied the welfare and comfort of the crews of ships will have to do so in the
future; marine superintendents and Masters who have taken up the attitude that
what was good enough for them is good enough for the seamen of to-day will find it
less easy to stand in the way of progress, crews will expect better conditions and your
officers will feel justified in making recommendations that they would have regarded
as hopeless hitherto. There is little doubt therefore that, even in existing ships, such
improvements as are reasonable and practicable will be made as opportunity offers.
There will be individual cases in which the response of owners or men will be
disappointing and discouraging, but they will be the exception, and will become fewer
as time goes on and our admiration and pride in the British mercantile marine will
no longer be qualified by reservations in regard to crew accommodation.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CREW ACCOMMODATION IN EXISTING SHIPS.
ss. "Redstone."—On the 28th October this vessel was inspected in this Port,
when no less than 28 defects were reported by Inspector Dring. The Owners were
communicated with, and replied that they could not understand the condition of
their ship, as the crew accommodation was supposed to have been put into an entirely
satisfactory condition in another port.
They gave instructions that the work should be put in hand forthwith, and asked
that Inspector Dring should supervise it. This was done, and Inspector Dring visited
the ship daily and insisted on the work being thoroughly carried out. As a result
I received the following letters from two members of the crew:—
"Dear Sir,
"I have been asked by all members of the crew of the above-named vessel to thank you and your
staff for your efforts in looking after our health and comfort.
"When your inspector visited us he spared himself no trouble, and had some improvements
made which are greatly appreciated by all, and in particular those most affected.
"Wishing you and your staff every success in your good work,
"I am, Sir,
"Yours faithfully."
"Dear Sir,
"The Sailors and Firemen of the above-named ship wish to express their sincere thanks and
appreciation for the many improvements your department has caused to be made for their safety
and comfort. If every Port Authority were as efficient as London's, the lot of the seaman would be
considerably improved. Again thanking you on behalf of my shipmates,
"I beg to remain,
"Yours respectfully."
I wrote to the Shipping Company to express our appreciation of the manner in
which they had co-operated with your Staff.
COASTING VESSELS.
In my last Annual Report I recorded some observations by Mr. J. S. Beattie
your Inspector in the Middle River District, in regard to unsatisfactory conditions
in coasting vessels. Mr. Beattie has continued to take a close interest in this class
of vessel and has submitted a long report of which the following is a summary.
Observations have been made on 135 different ships and 546 officers and 765
men have been interviewed.