On the 1st instant two important acts on merchant shipping passed in the late session, came into operation. The first act (17 and 18 Vict., cap. 104) contains as many as 548 provisions, and a schedule of numerous forms to be used in carrying it into execution. The act is divided into eleven parts, all of which, except part the ninth (liability of shipowners), which came into force on the 1st of August last, take effect on and after the 1st of May, the

first part relates to the Board of Trade, its general functions to enforce the new law ; the

second part, to British ships, their owners, measurement, and registry ; the

third part, to masters and seamen ; the

fourth part, to safety and the prevention of accidents ; the

fifth part, to pilotage ; the

sixth part, to lighthouses ; the

seventh part, to the Mercantile Marine Fund ; the

eighth part , to wrecks, casualties, and salvage ; the

ninth part , to the liability of shipowners ; the

tenth part, to legal procedure ; and the

eleventh part relates to miscellaneous matters.

The second act (17 and 18 Vict. cap. 120) is entitled, " The Merchant Shipping Act Repeal Act. " It contains sixteen provisions, and takes effect on the same day as the other statute, with the exception of the clauses expressly mentioned, which came into operation immediately on its passing on the 11th of August. There is a schedule to this act, repealing wholly or in part nearly fifty Acts of Parliament on merchant shipping, from the reign of Elizabeth to the 17 and 18 Victoria. The law on merchant shipping is now consolidated and amended. The Board of Trade is empowered to superintend all matters relating to merchant shipping and seamen.- European Times, May 5th

SG & SGTL Vol 12 ; Page 191 ; 13 Aug 1855

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