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Important to Shipowners We copy the following from the London Shipping and Mercantile Gazette:- Tonnage Admeasurement. A correspondent subscribing himself " An Observer," says, in reference to the registered tonnage of ships, under the new system of admeasurement : " It is a very generally conceived opinion that the new system will increase the registered tonnage, and subject the owners to increased port charges, &c. This, I apprehend, arises from an understanding that the dimensions of topgallant forecastles, roundhouses, and other permanently enclosed spaces are taken into account in the new system, which were not included in the old admeasurement. If the capacities of such enclosures had to be entirely added to the other dimensions, then, indeed, the new system would greatly increase the registered tonnage. But it must be remembered that unless the united tonnage of enclosures exceeds one-twentieth part of the remaining tonnage, that nothing has to be added for such enclosures, unless they are employed for the stowage of cargo. When they exceed one-twentieth part of the other dimensions, then the excess above one-twentieth only has to be added to the other tonnage. If. therefore, a topgallant forecastle should amount to 28.20, and the remaining tonnage be 501.21, there would only be to add for the top-gallant gallant forecastle 2.14. It rarely, however, happens that there is any addition to make to the tonnage on account of topgallant forecastles and other enclosures. Without going into further particulars. I may mention that with ships measured by the first rule, the general effect of the new system will be a reduction of the registered tonnage on the old system, and consequently to reduce the amount of Dock Dues, &c., &c., payable by shipowners " In answer to which the Editor replies:-" By the outside of the planking is meant the general thicknees of what is termed the plank of the bottom. When the greatest breadth falls where the wales or channel bends are worked, their excess of thickness beyond the plank of the bottom should be deducted, in order to give the true main breadth of the body of the ship." Part Owners.- Addressing the editor, "Exchange" says " Will you be kind enough to read the following, and give advice : -A., B., and four others, own a ship: A., the Captain, has 7-64tha; The four are not satisfied with the management, and the ship's accounts are delivered unfairly stated - not at all particularised - bringing Owners in debt. The four appoint an Auditor on their behalf, to examine Ship's-husband's books, and report to them upon correctness of same. The Ship's-husband peremptorily refuses the Auditor. Now, what course in law is open to the four Owners to compel the Ship's husband to grant their Auditor the desired investigation? In the port of London there are divers opinions as to the mode that should be pursued. Your ideas on this matter will greatly assist." The opinion of the editor is to this effect: "Although the four Partners would themselves have a right to examine the ship's accounts, the Ship's-husband is at all times at liberty not to permit any stranger to do so, whether he be called an Auditor, or by any other name. Our correspondent's remedy, under the circumstances, would be by a Bill of Equity, praying for an account of the partnership money, an injunction to restrain the present Ship's-husband from further acting, and the appointment of a Receiver by the Court. The difficulties and expense attending such a suit would no doubt be very great, and should be avoided, if possible, by the matter being referred to the arbitration of some person in whom all parties have confidence." SG & SGTL Vol 12 ; Page 235 ; 15 Oct 1855 ^ back to top ^ |
