The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-10-04 00:00:00

SHIPMASTERS' ASSOCIATION

LECTURES ON PRACTICAL NAVIGATION, BY LIEUTENANT
TRACEY,

On Monday se'night, the first of a series of lectures upon
this important subject, was delivered by Lieutenant Tracey,
R.N., in the room of the Shipmasters' Association, in Old
Hall-street. Amongst the members present, we noticed
Wm. Rowett, Esq., president, in the chair, Capts. Hamil-
ton, Vero, Parker, Hill, Prompt, Lewis, Dalrymple, Messrs.
. .

Rowlands, Smith, &c., &c.
Tile lecturer commenced by addressing a few introduc-
tory remarks, explaining the circumstances which had placed
him before that meeting, and proceeded to read the invita-
tion which had been addressed to him by Mr. Moss, on be-
half of the association, and his reply F,cceding, to their wish,
that he should deliver a course of lectures.on the subject of
practical navigation. lie had considered it.his dutv.thus to
accede ;—not that he could lay claim to greater ability than
others of his nautical brethren,—but that when a combina-
tion of circumstances called forth their united exertions, it
was not the character of a seaman to shrink from the occu-
pation of any post to which he was summoned.
Having given his consent to the delivery of these lectures
the question presented itself, which was the most desira-
ble course to pursue in treating so large a subject. It seemed
to him that it would be necessary to indulge in some preface ;

and he had, therefore, arrived at the determination to make
the present entirely an introductory lecture. The speaker
then proceeded to direct the attention of the meeting to the
meaning of the terms " practical navigation," and " a prac-
tical navigator," and pointed out the progress which had
been made of late years in the science of navigation, the im-
portance of the invention of the chronometer, and other in-
struments unknown to our fathers, who steered merely by
the compass and the stars. To be a good practical navigator
required, he contended, considerable astronomical attain-
ments, and a high degree of proficiency in those nautical ac-
quirements, which come under the denomination of " seainan-
ship." Formerly (by which term he meant previously to the
invention of the chronometer), three important things were
diligently attended to by the navigator. lie referred to " the
lead, the log, and the look out." Of late, he regretted to

say, that these had been much neglected. Chronometers, in-
stead of being regarded in their proper light as valuable ad-
juncts, have been exalted from simple regulators into infallible
guides : so much so, that some of our very experienced na-
vigators, while they have doubted their compasses, their lu-
oars, and dead reckoning, have, from a fatuity quite asto-
nishing, never been led to doubt the accuracy of their chro-
nometers. He scarcely ever met a captain yet but what he
considered his chronometer as one of the very best. But
what if it was? It is, after all, a mere machine (a most va-
luable one doubtless, but still a mere machine), whose rate

may be affected not only by temperature, magnetic influence,
motion, concussion, &c., &c., but even by being wound up
in an improper manner. Is this then, he asked, an instru-
ment to which we should almost solely commit ourselves,
without using every endeavour, by deaA.reckoning, lunars,
and astral observations, to check even the slightest inaccu-
racy that might arise ? Surely not. He could fancy a ship-
owner calculating upon the safe return of his vessel, en-
trusted to the charge of a cautious seaman, who pays as
careful attention to his dead reckoning, and checks it as often

as possible by a lunar observation ;and he could imagine
him justified in so doing ; but he could not fancy, nor would
the utmost stretch of • his imagination justify the shipowner
who would knowingly commit his property to the charge
of one who would trust solely to his chronometer.
In this view of the case he was confirmed by the opinion of
the ablest writers in the Nautical Magazine, who hesitate
not to imply the assertion, that more ships have been lost by
chronometers than ever were lost for the want of them ; and
yet, no one will venture to assert that they are not, without
any exception, the most valuable invention that has pertained
to nautical science since the invention of the compass.
The lecturer then proceeded to notice another essential
which has been latterly comparatively unattended to—atleast
generally speaking—and that is the compass. There is
scarcely a month passes over our heads that we do not bear
of complaints of the compasses being at fault. Formerly,
from having to rely greatly on the dead reckoning, the varia-
tion was strictly attended to whenever the weather permitted.
Is it so strictly attended to now ? From what he read and
heard he should say not ; and yet, how much more reason
is there for doing so, since so much iron has been intro-
duced, both in the rigging as well as the material of
a ship, and that, too, close to the compass, in the shape
of iron tillers and chain tiller ropes ? The variation
of the compass on board. a ship, is also materially
effected by the direction of the ships' head and stern,
owing to the iron, which is in every vessel' becoming mag-
neticby induction. This subject he also purposed bringing
under their consideration in its proper place; and, it was
only incidently mentioned here to show, that all blame is not
to be attached to the captain of a ship, who often only joins
a few days or hours before ship sails, and has no opportunity
of ascertaining the correctness of his compasses ere he sails.
No such excuse, however, was available for his reputation,
if the lead,log, astrological, and lunar observations have been
unattended to. From these few observations then, he drew
the following conclusion, viz., that to be an efficient practical
navigator does not consist in being a thorough seaman solely,
nor does it consist in being possessed of adeouate attainments
in both, unless combined with the physical properties of a
firm nerve, and a sharp eye. For what would avail knowing
where you were situated, if you had not sufficient knowledge
of seamanship to manage your ship in the various situations
of dancer in which she may be placed ?—or, what would it
avail your knowing how to do so, if you had not sufficient
knowledge to direct your vessel towards her intended port?
—or, lastly, what would either avail if you were physically
unable to attend to the duties required ?
The lecturer proceeded to comment upon, and to depre-
cate, the jealousy existing between the navigators of the old
and the new school. Such jealousy is especially detrimetital
to the nautical interests, at the present moment, when corn.
plete unanimity amongst shipmasters ought to prevail. In-
'deed if the present opportunity, when the legislature,
merchants, and shipowners, together with the first and best
in our land, are striving for their improvement and welfare,
is snowed to slip without some united demonstration of the
shipmasters' wishes and opinions, they may write themselves,
in all that constitutes a claim on the consideration of the coun-
try, as " nil" for the next 20 years. Mr. Tracey then brought
before the meeting the subject of nautical education as it is
effected by the proposed act of parliament, one of the clauses
of which prescribing the nature of the examination required to
Lc pdozca Ly am; uppli,auta co, c..aptaialo' VII ti G lac. read.
From this he argued that the legislature contemplated the
progressive improvement in qualifications of the candidates ;
and it was therefore the duty of every parent, training up a
boy to the sea, to take care tha:. in the education given him,
he kept pace with the march of science; that he was well
grounded in geometry and spherical trigonometry, a descrip-
tion of knowledge which he must acquire to fit him for his
profession, and of which the foundation, at least, should be
laid in his early years.
Mr. Tracey concluded his lecture, which was well received
throughout, by a few general remhrks, urging the advantage
which would accrue were the masters of the merchant service
to endeavour to raise their standing in society. None ought
to be more fitted than men conducting important commercial
operations in every quarter of the globe to have a voice in
political matters, and especially in pointing out the commer-
cial policy of the country. At present, however, they were
not united; and, to aid in establishinc, the union required,
he strongly advised the formation-of a club-house,' upon the
principle of the Junior United Service Club-house in Lon-
don, which might easily be done by 300 shipmasters taking
up debentures of £2O each.
Mr. Tracey having sat down, amidst hearty approbation
from the meeting,
The CHAIRMAN then rose and spoke as follows :
Gentlemen, before we separate I would just observe, that
as my name has been mentioned by the worthy lecturer as
one of the committee, who, through Mr. Moss, invited him
to lecture on practical navigation, 1 may be allowed to say
the committee met a few days ago for the purpose of consi-
dering what course should be adopted for rendering the asso-
ciation still more useful to shipmasters, and it was deter-
mined- that Lieutenant Tracey should be invited to deliver a
course of lectures on practical navigation, and Mr. Living-
ston, on currents generally. Both of these gentlemen gave
ready and cheerful compliance to the invitation of the com-
mittee ; and after the mental treat we have had to. night, you
will agree with me that a good step was taken to render the
institution instrumentally beneficial to those for whom it was
in its formation designed to benefit. If we are to judge from
this introductory lecture, which has so admirably shown in
what practical navigation consists, we may fairly anticipate a
lucid and useful exposition of the several branches of prac.;
tical navigation in the succeeding lectures. lam sure you
will, with me, regret the small attendance of shipmasters this
evening ; those who have only an indirect interest in mari-
time matters, seem to take delight in promoting this branch
of the association, if I may judge from those present. But
I-would suggest, that each of us who have nautical friends,
should bring one with us to the next lecture, so that the
rooms may be crowded to hear the succeeding lectures. I
feel perfectly satisfied that it is only to make known to these
gentlemen that a real and lasting benefit is to be derived from
these lectures by the younger branches of the profession ;
and I am equally sure that those whose experience is matured,
would feel deep interest in them. As to their becoming
members of the association I am perfectly at ease, assured
as I am that for their own interests sake, they will e obliged
to avail themselves of its aid. The day will soon arrive when
they will discover the necessity of banding themselves to-
gether (if for no other purpose) to meet the various questions
that are from time to time agitated in parliament and else-
where ; and which way can shipmasters protect themselves
from legislative enactments, damaging their interests and
prospects, but by combination of themselves. It is the
only way that they can be fairly represented as a body,
and whose suggestions would, on matters of maritime cha-
racter, especially as to the mercantile marine, be of infinite
service to our legislature; and should not a body of men so
numerous and so respectable be represented, as well as other
professions ? We may fairly estimate the number of ship-
masters in port at one time to be about two thousand ; and
have such a body of men (I repeat so respectable) no inter-
ests to protect? My wonder and astonishment is, that they
have so long neglected a matter so vastly important to them.
There are, I believe, nearly a thousand shipmasters attached
to this association, nearly all of whom are at sea. But these
are few compared with the aggregate number trading to and
belonging this port, who will, doubtless, become members as
they become acquainted with the nature of the association.
Now, on Monday next a meeting of the shipmasters will be
held here, to consider and discuss the merits and demerits of
the bill which Capt. Fitzroy has brought before parliament as
to shipmasters passing an examination. You must agree with
me, that any individual, as an individual, could do but little
in protecting the interests of the whole body of shipmasters.
But it may be admitted that suggestions respectfully made
to parliament by an association whose interests are the sub-
ject of consideration, would carry weight with them at
least, and by this means the interest of the whole body
would be protected. I feel I need say no more to show you
the necessity of shipmasters combining and forming an asso-
ciation •, and I may add, neither its respectability nor utility
could by any other association be expelled. Those nume-
rous kind friends who take an interest with us in the cause
of shipmasters I most cordially thank, and I would venture
to thank them also in the name of the association. In con-
clusion, I must tell you that a few days ago I had some con-
versation with the mayor, on the subject of this association,
and I am glad to inform you that, in addition to his kind
donation to the association, be will at all times render it all
the service in his power. Mr. Tracey has suggested, in my
humble opinion, an excellent plan for erecting a building for
the purposes of this association, and as he has referred us to
the "Junior United Service Club as an example, I would
suggest that Mr. Moss obtain the original prospectus and
rules of the club, and submit them to the consideration of
the committee of this association. With these remarks, I
beg leave to move a vote of thanks to Lieut. Tracey, for so
kindle favouring the association with his aid in promoting it
by a lecture calculated to do so much good.
•

THE SPECIAL CommissioN.---The special commission,
for the trial of the rioters in custody and admitted to bail in
this county, is advertised to be opened in Liverpool, on Mon-
day next.
Custom-house frauds are not of course confined to this
country, nor, as it seems, is the discovery of them. Accord-
ing to the Dutch papers a system of extensive frauds has just
been found out at Rotterdam, the explanatory details of which,
however, are not given, further than thattheelyhaaal;4tai::.peen
yr
place in regard to sugar, and that the Hanrim
the great Netherlands Trading Company, will be the sufferer,
and not the government.
The following distinguished families are put in rnburning,i
by the death of the Marquis of Ve
Westmoreland, Tilmif,
\f"
llesley Beau for,to •
Fitzroy Somerset, Bagot, Clarendon,
Long, Anglesea, Winchelsea, Cowley, Cadogan, Ely, Totten-'l,
ham, Fitzwygram, Loftus, Beshorough, Salisbury, and Cullen
Smith.

L (YE R POOL
WAN DA RD

CORRESPONDENCE.

AN EXCELLENT SUGGESTION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.
SlR,—While reading the account of the lamentable fire
in Liverpool, and having witnessed the one a fortnight ago,
and seeing the great peril to which the firemen, policemen,
and others are exposed, and having now to deplore the serious
loss of life and accident occasioned by the late fire, another
sad calamity recurred to my remembrance, namely, the coal-
pit accident a few years ago, near Newcastle, when I think
47 lives were lost; now, air, I think that one of the most
proper and useful societies that could he established, would
be one to raise a fund for the whole kingdom, whereby the
widows and children of all men who lose their lives from fires,
coal-pits, in fact, all casualties, may have some provision
made for them, something to coin fort and alleviate the severe
suffering and anguish they must endure. I have not time to
say anything to call forth sympathy in this case, in fact, the
calamity pleads most powerfully, and 1 hope and trust it will
be taken up, as I think the case deserves ; and, if the gentle-
men wont attend to the distress of the widows and orphans,
I hope the ladies will, and the result would be the more suc-
cessful. As conmusseratimi without assistance is of little
worth, I would give a donation of £5, and a subscription of
£1 Is. per annum to the establishment of a fund, for what I
think a laudable purpose; and, I
i hope you will use your in-
terest and influence—if you use t proper.—I am, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
Edinbro',27th Sept., 1842. J. S. H.

WIGAN.

WIGAN INSTITUTION.—There is no institution which has
so great a claim on the public for support as the one which
is founded for public instruction and public amusement.
We therefore sincerely trust that our townsmen will come
forward and lend their aid towards liquidating the debt which
has been incurred by the committee in their endeavours to
render the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge at
once an ornament to the town, and a valued source of in-
struction to that class of society whose pecuniary means are
so limited as to debar them from obtaining a school educa-
tion.

EMBEZZLING WEFT.—Two women, named Betsy Barn-
ber and Mary Connor, were brought before the bench
yesterday (Monday) charged with embeszling a quantity of
weft given out by Mr. John Litler, agent to Mr. James
Buckley, manufacturer. It appeared the defendants had
been on " the spree" during the greater part of last week,
and in order to raise a continued supply of funds to " accom-
plish their great design," sold as much of the weft as would
work a cut, to some dealer in " old iron" in the Scholes.
They were remanded to Wednesday'for further examination.
DEATH OF J. H. KEARSLEP, EsQ,--ft is with a melan-
choly feeling of regret, that we announce the demise of our
highly honoured and valued townsman, John H. Kearsley,
Esq., formerly one of the representatives in parliament of
this borough. His death took place on Sunday morning last,
at Higher Hall, near Leigh, in the 59th year of his age. Mr.
Kearsley had been for three years residing at this splendid
mansion, and had been suffering from severe indisposition
for a considerable time past.
SABBATH OBSERVANCE.—The borough magistrates have
signified their fixed determination to inflict a fine on every
individual brought before them for drinking on the Sabbath,
with a view of enforcing a more strict observance of the
Lord's day. A young man, named Thomas Lea, a weaver,
was brought before the beneh yesterday, for lying in the
street drunk, during divine service, on Sunday forenoon.
The customary fine of ss. was inflicted. It is a fact, that al-
though the weavers are in such a destitute condition, more of
this class are fined in Wigan for being drunk than any other.
THE POOR RATES.—The assistant overseer of this town
is totally unable to collect a great portion of the amount due
from the borough, on account of the prevailing distress.
Numbers are forgiven every week by the magistrrtes, who
investigate the circumstances connected with the cases ; and
there are many who even refuse to come forward and state
the reasons why they are unable to pay the rates. Of this
class, 28 persons were summoned before the magistrates
yesterday, and 32 for non-payment of the gas rates.