FT.—lsb

2

Men engaged in the extended river limits are entitled to consideration, particularly in the Auckland District, where the number of small outlying but adjacent ports render the extended-river trade one of great importance. Many of the best men employed in this trade have their homes and interests in the district, do not intend to go elsewhere, therefore cannot qualify, nor do they desire to do so, for a home-trade certificate. We are of the opinion that river and extended-river certificates —in the event of the latter being issued—should be purely local, and issued only for the harbour, river, or lake where the experience has been gained. To qualify for able seaman in the extended-river trade a man should be nineteen years of age, have served as deck-boy and ordinary seaman for two years, and then prove he can knot, splice, pull and scull a boat, steer, heave the lead, and hand a sail. The qualifications, both for master and able seaman, should apply to all vessels in the extended river limits. Great exception has been taken to the terms used — i.e., " extended river limits " and " extreme river limits." They certainly are unmeaning and misleading. We would substitute " limited coasting, Auckland " (or port where certificate is issued for) instead of " extended river " ; and " extreme limits " in place of " extreme river limits." We have, &c, John Bollons, Theodore Wμ. Haultain, Auckland, 7th April, 1904. Commissioners. Approximate Gout nf Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,425 copies), £1 5».

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o4. Price Sd.]