The Sun.
London, England, 1850-07-09 00:00:00

Mr. LA-13011CIIERE could not recommend the Com.

mittee to agree to the amendment, and for this reason—
the commander of a coasting vessel who had for five
years filled the situation of a master, would, if this
proviso passed, be permitted to take charge of a foreign
trader, although he might never have been a foreign
voyage before. He must again express a hope that
the Committee would allow him to reconsider the clause,
and defer the discussion on its principle until it was
brought forward in a new shape.
Mr. .HILDYARD saw nothing in the Right Hon.
Gentleman's objections. He did not wish to see a coast-
ing master in the command of a foreign trader, nor
would his proviso confer such a right on the coasting
master. What he wanted was simply this, that a
man who had hitherto been entrusted with the charge
of vessels for five years should not in future be precluded
from undertaking a similar duty.
Mr. M. GIBSON proposed that all the words con-
tained in the clause which empowered the examiners to
inquire into the moral character of applicants for certi-
ficates should be altogether expunged. The examiners
should only have power to inquire into and investigate
the competency, and not the morals, of the applicants.
Mr. LABOUCHERE said under the existing exami-

tion certificates were endorsed for good conduct, besides
being granted for competency as mariners and navi-
gators.
After some further discussion the clause was agreed to
on the understanding that it would be reconsidered on
the bringing up of the report.
On clause 19 being proposed,
Mr. WILLCOX objected to that part of it which
provided that officers of the navy should be exempted
from the examination on taking charge of a merchant
ship. He thought it was for the interest of the navy
that its officers should undergo an examination before
they entered the merchant service, for none but the in-
competent would fear the ordeal.
Admiral B()WLES pointed out to the Committee
that naval officers underwent strict examinations before
they were promoted to any rank, and the competency of
any of them could be ascertained at the Admiralty.
Mr. CLAY supported the amendment.
Mr. LABOUCHERE thought the additional exami-
nation would be wholly unnecessary, and he must, there-
fore, resist the amendment. The Hon. Gentleman
who had proposed it was not aware that naval officers
underwent a stricter examination than was proposed by
the Bill.
After a few words from Admiral DUNDAS, who
opposed the amendment,
The House divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment
Against it 93
Majority
The amendment was consequently lost.
Mr. MOFFATTproposed that the local marine boards
should have the same power of granting certificates.
Mr. LABOUCHERE said he would endeavour at a
future stage of the Bill to insert words to carry that pro-
p isition into effect.
Mr. MOFFATT thereupon withdrew his amendment.
The remaining clauses were then agreed to down to
23 inclusive.
The CHAIRMAN reported progress and obtained
leave to sit again on Thursday morning at twelve
o'clock.
The House then adjourned until Five.

The House resumed at Five o'clock.
A Message from th© Lords brought up several Bills.

NATIONAL LAND COMPANY.

Mr. F. O'CONNOR presented a petition from the
shareholders of the National Land Company, signed by
himself, praying that that company might bo wound up.
The Hon. Member moved that the petition be read at
length by the clerk at the table.
Mr. Ley, the clerk, was proceeding to read the peti-

tion, when
Mr. ROEBUCK submitted whether the Hon. Member,
according to the rules of the House, could present a
petition from himself.
The SPEAKER said the Hon. Member could not
present such a petition.
Mr. F. O'CONNOR—Then perhaps the Hon. Mem-
ber for Oxtord will present it.—(Lsughter.)