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The first paper for the evening was then read, 

 ON THE ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED FROM THE 

 ADOPTION OF THE METRICAL TON OF 1000 KILO- 

 GRAMMES IN THE MEASUREMENT OF SHIPS. 

 By JAMES YATES, Esq., F.R.S., F.S.A * 



The metrical ton is now recognised, and is now practically adopted 

 by a considerable number of the principal mercantile nations. 



It is established in France, Belgium, Holland, Prussia, Hamburg, 

 and the other Hanseatic ports, Denmark, the kingdom of Sardinia, 

 Algeria, and several South American States. Its adoption, after a few 

 years, has been decreed by the governments of Spain and Portugal. 



Besides Great Britain and its dependencies, the only commercial 

 nations of importance which do not already use the metrical ton are the 

 United States of North America, Russia, Sweden, Greece, Turkey, and 

 Egypt. There can be no doubt that these latter countries would adopt 

 it, if Great Britain led the way. 



The metrical ton being equal to 1000 kilogrammes, while the 

 British ton is nearly 1015, differing only by H per cent., it is 

 evident that no objection can arise from the adoption of the former, 

 except the temporary inconvenience which accompanies every change. 

 According to a return issued by the Board of Trade, the exports from 

 the United Kingdom in 1855, consisting of British and Irish produce 

 and manufactures, amounted in value to £95,688,085, or nearly 

 £96,000,000. The countries which use the metrical ton, and are 

 included in this statement of exports, are as follows : — 



Prussia, Hanover, and the Hanseatic Towns ...£9,787,600 



France 6,012,658 



Holland 4,558,210 



Sardinia 853,916 



Belgium 1,704,693 



Portugal ], 475, 713 



Spain 1,268,815 



Denmark (?) 759,656 



New Granada 588,935 



Mexico' 585,898 



£27,596,094 



♦ This paper was read by the Rev. J. Robberds, the author of the paper being absent 

 tl'.roMgh illness. A note from Mr. Yates stated that he had communicated to Rear-Admiral 

 the Earl of Hardwicke, chairman of the Tonnage RegisUation Committee, and to other 

 members of that committee, his ideas upon the subject, and that they had acknowledged 

 the iinportaiice of his views, thinking that the measurement and registration of ships' 

 tonnage would never bo perfect until it became international. 



