448 INTERNATIONAL LAWS FOR THE 



does not clearly state to whom they shall be forfeited ; but 

 in the case of voyages by the share, it is presumed that the 

 proceeds of such effects, after being sold by auction, should 

 be added to the gross earnings of the voyage, as the crew 

 have to put up with the inconvenience or loss arising from 

 the desertion, as well as the owner. They are not like 

 monthly seamen in cargo ships. 



Attention is called at the foot of page 3 of the official log 

 book to the fact that the sale of effects of every seaman 

 who has died must be entered and witnessed in the log 

 book. In the case of fishing boats, it does not appear 

 desirable that the effects of a deceased member of the crew 

 should be liable to be sold, as the vessel will probably 

 arrive in port next day, and they might then be handed 

 over to a proper authority on behalf of the relatives of the 

 deceased. This is another instance of the absurdity of 

 trying to adapt to fishing vessels the Merchant Shipping Act 

 of 1854, which was principally framed to apply to cargo 

 ships. 



This finishes the discussion of this document, which, 

 though good in intention, miserably fails in carrying out 

 that intention practically. The great difference in the 

 various classes of fishing, which has been abundantly 

 shown, appears to demand a series of agreement forms 

 adapted to the various classes and modes of carrying on 

 the fishing industry. To draft these would require from 

 practical men all the care possible, and unpractical officials, 

 as far as the fisheries are concerned, could never draft 

 them satisfactorily without such assistance. 



Steam boilers. The next point for discussion is the use of steam on 

 board fishing vessels for capstans and pumps only. The 

 Merchant Shipping Act 1854, nowhere provides legislation 

 for any vessels which use steam, except those propelled 



