[JULY, 1902.] 191 
Vol. VIII. No. 91. IMPERIAL INSTITUTE JOURNAL. 
Journal on the subject of the forfeiture of spirits imported from 
Canada into the U nited States in certain x-eceptacles, it is notified 
in a recent Circular of the United States Treasury Department 
that spirits in transit through Canada are not to be considered 
as imported therefrom, for the purposes of the forfeiture clause of 
para. 290 of the Tariff, 
— 
TRANSPORT AND FREIGHTS. 
The Freight Market. — Outward coal rates are rather 
weaker, and last fixtures have been on basis of 6s. Genoa, 6s. 3d. 
Venice, 5s. 6d. Port Said, 6s. 6d. Las Palmas, 16s. South Africa, 
13s. River Plate, 12s. 6d. Rio. America continues quiet, 
Australia extremely dull. Rain is badly wanted, especially in 
Queensland. Steamers fixed 21s. 3d. ore, Port Pirie-U.K. 
Cont. ; 7s. 3d. coals, Newcastle-} ava. Black Sea shows a 
slight improvement for backward loading, owing to the prospects 
of a good harvest. Eastern markets quiet. Current quotations 
are 12s. Bombay, 19s. Rangoon, 21s. 6d. Java. Mediterranean 
markets remain unchanged. River Plate steady at 13s. , 13s. 6d. 
up river loading. — WeddEL, Turner & Co., June 30, 1902. 
UNITED KINGDOM. 
Port of London, — The Royal Commission which was ap- 
pointed two years ago to investigate the causes of the unsatis- 
factory condition of the trade of the Thames, and to suggest 
remedies, has now completed its report, and from an ample 
digest of the document published in the Shipping Gazette we 
quote the following summary of the broad and comprehensive 
projects of reform proposed as remedy of the obsolete state of 
tlie port and its administration : — 
1. A single dock authority for London to be created. 
2. Thames Conservancy to be abolished, so far as its 
power's from Teddington Lock seawards arc concerned. These 
to be vested in the new authority. 
3. Pilotage, lighting, and buoying of the Thames to be 
transferred from Trinity 1 louse to the new authority. 
4. The Watermen's Company to be abolished and its 
powers absorbed, except as regards charities. 
5. Corporation of Loudon to remain the port sanitary 
authority. 
6. The new authority to acquire the docks, warehouses, 
and other property of the dock companies. 
7. The warehouses eventually to be sold or leased. 
8. The new authority to create a Port stock, bearing a 
guaranteed rate of interest, and to issue the same to the dock 
shareholders, in such amounts as may be determined by 
arrangement or arbitration. 
9. An expenditure within a period of ten years of £2,500,000 
on the improvement of the river, and £4,500,000 on docks. To 
meet this outlay an additional annual income of £250, 000 will 
eventually be required. 
10. It is assumed that, after allowing for the economy due 
to centralisation and for the increase of trade, the ordinary 
revenue will meet current expenditure and the interest on the 
Port stock. 
11. Purchase of docks and improvement of river to be 
separately treated, but to proceed concurrently. 
12. London County Council and Corporation of London — 
one or both — should provide capital sums necessary for river 
improvement. 
13. The same bodies — one or both— should guarantee 
interest on the Port stock. 
14. No increase in dock tonnage rates proposed. A uni- 
form charge of is. recommended in all the docks. 
15. A licensing fee on barges suggested. 
16. Additional revenue to be raised by dues on goods 
landed, as at Liverpool. It is not contemplated that such dues 
shall be levied on all classes of merchandise, and the expediency 
of a consolidated rate is suggested. 
17. The new authority “ will be at liberty " to take steps to 
abolish compulsory pilotage in the Thames. 
18. Forty nominated and elected members to constitute the 
new authority, whose composition will largely depend on the 
acceptance of financial responsibility by the London County 
Council and the City Corporation respectively. 
The final paragraph of the commissioners' report sums up 
the situation as follows : — 
In conclusion, we desire to say that our enquiry into the 
conditions of the Port of London has convinced us of its 
splendid natural advantages. Among these are the geographical 
position of the port ; the magnitude, wealth, and energy of the 
population behind it ; the fine approach from the sea ; the river 
tides, strong enough to transport traffic easily to all parts, yet 
not so violent as to make navigation difficult ; land along the 
shores of a character suitable for dock construction and all 
commercial purposes. In addition to these advantages, 
London possesses docks which, although they are not in some 
cases upon the level of modern requirements, are yet capacious 
and capable of further development. The deficiencies of 
London as a port, to which our attention has been called, are 
not due to any physical circumstances, but to causes which may 
easily be removed by a better organisation of administrative 
and financial powers. The great increase in the size and 
draught of ocean-going ships has made extensive works 
necessary both in the river and docks, but the dispersion of 
powers among several authorities and companies has prevented 
any systematic execution of adequate improvements. Hence 
the port has, for a time, failed to keep pace with the develop- 
ments of modern population and commerce, and has shown 
signs of losing that position relatively to other ports which it 
lias held for so long. We are of opinion, however, that if 
energy and courage be shown, there is 110 reason to fear that 
the welfare of the Port of London will be permanently impaired. 
Southampton. — At a recent meeting of the Harbour Board 
the desirability of deepening the channel of Southampton Water, 
so as to accommodate the largest vessels afloat, was under dis- 
cussion. It is estimated that the proposed dredging operations 
will involve an expenditure of £75,000. The question was 
a-eferred to a committee, who have reported that every effort 
should be made to meet the requirements of the new shipping 
combine. 
COLONIES. 
Cyprus Mail Service.— -A contract for a weekly mail 
service has been entered into between the Cyprus Government 
and Bell’s Asia Minor Steamship Company. Universal satis- 
faction is (expressed by the inhabitants at the establishment ol 
the new service, which began on June 17. 
New Seulh Wales Railways.— The Railway Com- 
missioners of New South W ales have presented theii lepoiL to 
the Government for the quarter ended March 31 last. The 
mileage open, as compared with the corresponding period of the 
previous year, showed an increase of 177 miles, and on the date 
of the report nearly 3,000 miles were in operation. I he earnings 
for the quarter in question were heavy, amounting to £933' 000 > 
but the March quarter is one of the heaviest ol the year, as 
in the months of January, February and March, in opposition to 
the northern hemisphere, the grain is being brought in, and the 
general business is brisk. As compared with the corresponding 
quarter of the previous year, the earnings showed an increase of 
£24,000; but, considering the increase in mileage and the 
natural growth of the country, a bigger total might have been 
looked for. The country, however, has been suffering from an 
extremely dry season. The’expenditure was rather greater than 
the increase in the earnings, amounting to £ 26,000 , the per- 
centage of expenditure to earnings going up from 53 to 54^ 
per cent. 
* South Africa.— Port Alfred Harbour. — We have 
received from the secretary of the Grahamstown and Port 
Alfred Chamber of Commerce, a copy of the report and plan 
of the proposed Port Alfred Harbour Works, by Mr, C. W. 
Methven. It is pointed out that Port Alfred presents remark- 
able advantages, and the Chamber feels that the great 
development and commercial prosperity which will set in when 
the war is over, warrant more ports being opened to meet the 
necessary requirements of the country in order to secure the 
trade to colonial ports. The works now proposed by Mr. 
Methven will open, at a comparatively small cost, a pou which 
is connected by railway with the whole of South Africa, and 
which should be made available for South African commerce. 
Alternative schemes are proposed by Mr. Methven, the larger of 
which includes the dredging of the entrance, and he states that 
if the entrance is improved in the manner suggested, there can 
be 110 uncertainty as to the ultimate results, as it will so greatly 
resemble the entrance at East London, but with some important 
improvements over that, that it is safe to assume that what 
dredging has accomplished there it can accomplish here also. 
The smaller expenditure would enable the port to develop a 
coasting trade, and land goods by lighter from large vessels at 
the outer anchorage, taking the lighters inside for loading or 
unloading. This would lie a considerable advantage over 
Port Elizabeth, where such operations are liable to serious delay 
on account of the exposed situation. Port Alfred, however, 
would not be free from such delays occurring during rough 
weather, on account of the narrow width of the entrance, which, 
unless altered as suggested, would always remain a more or less 
difficult one. If the proposed expenditure af ,£46,780 under the 
smaller scheme be incurred, the Government will then have a 
port costing £296,780 (say ,£300,000}, with a very unsatisfactory 
entrance, and only capable of carrying on a coasting trade, 
whereas if the larger sum of say £200,000, necessary for the 
larger scheme, be incurred, they will have for a total sum of 
£540,000 a port considerably superior to East London, and 
capable of far greater development. 
FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 
Brazil. — An important amalgamation of the three British 
railway companies in the consular district of Pernambuco and 
the leasing by the Federal Government of the South of Pernam- 
buco railway, which is an extension of the old Recife and San 
Francisco railway, has placed the management of these four 
systems in one hand, that of the Great Western of Brazil Rail- 
way Company. The company is now constructing the connect- 
ing link between Independence, in Parahyba, and Nova Cruz, 
the present terminus of the Natal-Rio Grande do Norte 
railway, and it is proposed to build a branch line in the State 
of Parahyba, from the trunk at Itabaina to a town named 
Campina Grande. 
France. — Steam Service between Liverpool and 
Bayonne.— The British Vice-Consul at Bayonne reports that 
it is observable from the Bayonne Custom-house statistics of 
imports that practically only a small quantity of general goods 
arrive from the United Kingdom, This must be attributed tc 
the fact that no line of steamers has yet been started to trade 
between a port of the United Kingdom and Bayonne, All the 
British-made goods which are sold in the district are shipped 
via Bordeaux and other French ports, but with the heavy tran- 
shipping expenses, forwarding agents' charges and sundry 
expenses, it is extremely difficult for British manufacturers to 
compete with German and Belgian manufacturers who can 
forward goods direct from Antwerp to Bayonne by regular line 
of steamers between the two ports. The Vice-Consul adds that 
he has made a special study as to the possibility of running a 
steamer regularly between, say, Liverpool and Bayonne, and 
has every reason to believe that a small vessel suited for the 
trade would prove a success. The quantity of general cargo 
would at first be limited, but with the large quantities of phos- 
phates which are now imported from Liverpool, a vessel could 
always fill up spare space with this class of goods. As regards 
the return voyage resin, resinous oils, turpentine, Hour, fruit, 
cork, wool, timber, etc., would be the principal exports. 
Toulouse, which is one of the most important French industrial 
centres, would contribute, as the distance by rail is about the 
same to Bayonne as to Bordeaux, from which port all the goods 
are shipped. 
German East Africa.— Port Regulations at Dar-es- 
Salaam. — ' The British Vice-Consul at Dar-es-Salaam reports 
that since 1st December, 1901, all vessels over 100 tons gross, 
entering and leaving the harbour of Dar-es-Salaam are required 
to take a pilot on board. This official awaits the vessel in the 
neighbourhood of Makatumbe Island. Vessels over 1,000 tons 
gross pay 30 rs. (£2) each way. An extra charge of 1 rupee 
(is. 4d.) is made for every 100 tons over and above 1,000 tons. 
In the case of vessels wishing to enter or leave the harbour after 
dark an additional sum of 50 rs. (£3. 6s. 8d.) will be charged, 
which includes lighting the buoys. Contravening the above 
regulations is punishable by a fine of £2 o , or three months 
imprisonment. Vessels-of-war of all nations are excepted from 
the regulations. 
Russian Enterprise in the Persian Gulf. — The Odessa 
correspondent of the Times writes : — “ In addition to the 
steamer Komiloff, the Russian Steam Navigation Company 
intend shortly to despatch another of their vessels, the Truvor , 
from Odessa to ports in the Persian Gulf. The officials of the 
company express themselves fairly satisfied with the results 
attained by the preliminary voyages of the Komiloff, and intend 
to make a strong bid for return cargo from Bushire, Bandar 
Abbas, and other Persian ports. With regard to cargo 
outward bound from Odessa to ports in the Gulf no difficulty is 
experienced, and the question of attracting passengers to its 
Persian service is having the Company's serious attention. 
With the establishment of agencies in all the leading ports en 
route to Bushire, the Russian Steam Navigation Company 
hopes before next year to be in a position to increase consider- 
ably the number of sailings from Odessa, possibly despatching 
one every six weeks.” 
The Isthmian Canal. — The United States Senate has 
relegated to the President the choice of routes for the Isthmian 
Canal by adopting the Spooner amendment. It provides that 
the French Panama offer be accepted, if a clear title can be 
made ; if not, the President will proceed under the provisions 
of the' Hepburn Bill, to construct the Nicaragua Canal. The 
House has already passed the latter with only two dissenting 
votes. It is believed, however, that the House will concur in 
the Senate's action. Thus the triumph for Panama is complete. 
— Times, 
OFFICIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS. 
UNITED KINGDOM. 
Cheltenham. — Tenders are invited, until the 16th inst. 
(1) for Supplying and (2) for Laying ten miles of 12 in. diameter 
Cast-iron Water Main between Tewkesbury and Chelten- 
ham. Particulars (£1) may be obtained from Mr. Joseph Hall, 
Municipal Offices, Cheltenham. 
Chester.— The Corporation invite Tenders, until the 7th 
inst., for the Construction and Reconstruction, and 
Electrical Equipment of Tram ways. Particulars (£3. 3s. ) 
may be obtained from J. M. Jones, Esq., City Surveyor, Town 
Hall, Chester. 
Epsom.— Tenders are invited, until the 9th inst, for the 
Completion of the Bacteria Beds, Parish of Cobham, 
Surrey. Particulars (£5) may be obtained from Messrs. Beesley, 
Son and Nichols, 11, Victoria-street, Westminster. 
Exeter. — Tenders are invited, until the 14th inst., for the 
Removal of the existing. Bridge and the Construction of a 
New Steel Arch Bridge over the River Exeat Exeter, together 
with the construction and subsequent removal of a temporary 
bridge over the River. Particulars (£5. 5s.) may be obtained 
from Sir John Wolfe Barry and Partner?, 21, Delahay-streel, 
Westminster. 
Falkirk. — Tenders are invited, until the 14th inst., for 
the Supply and Erection of : (4) steam, exhaust, drain, and 
other pumps, feed-pump, tank, etc. ; (5) balancing transformers 
and motor generators ; (6) storage batteries ; (7) switchboard 
and connections ; (8) arc lamps, incandescent lamps.and fittings; 
(9) cable work ; (ri) travelling crane. Particulars (£2) may be 
obtained from Messrs Burstall and Monkhouse, 14, Old Queen- 
street, Westminster. 
London — The London County Council invite Tenders, 
until the 10th inst., for Two Steel Cables, one 30,000 feet and 
the oilier 9,400 feet in length. Particulars may be obtained at 
County Hall, Spring-gardens, S.W. — Tenders are also invited, 
until the 15th inst., for one Electkic- POWER Overhead 
Travelling Crane, to lift 25 tons, and three hand-power 
overhead travelling Cranes, to lift 10 tons each. Particulars 
(£2) may be ohtained at County Hall, Spring-gardens, S.W. 
Southborough. — Tenders are invited, until the 25th inst., 
for the Construction of a Pumping Station. Particulars 
(£5. 5s.) may be obtained from Messrs. George and F. W. 
Hudso t, Loughborough 
COLONIES. 
South. Australia.— Tenders will be received at the office 
of the Engineer-in-Chief, Adelaide, South Australia, up till the 
30th September, for the Construction of a Harbour at Light 
Passage, Port Adelaide, South Australia. Particulars (£5) may 
be obtained at the offices of the Engineer-in-Chief, Adelaide, 
and at the office of the Agent-General for South Australia, 
i, Crosby-square, London. 
INDIA. 
Bombay, Baroda, and Central India Railway.— Tenders 
are invited, until the 8th inst., for the Supply of Stores, viz., 
( 1 ) brass boiler tubes, (2) flanged and plain copper plates, 
(3) steel material. Particulars (21s.) may be obtained from the 
Secretary at the Company's offices, Gloucester-house, Bishops- 
gat e-street- without, E.C. 
Calcutta. — Tenders are invited, until the 15th inst., for 
the Supply and Delivery of 2,800 tons, more or less, of Cast- 
iron Pipes and Specials. Particulars (10s, ) may be obtained 
at the office of the Engineer, 33, Norfolk-street, Strand, London. 
FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 
Norway. — Tenders are invited, until the 8th inst., by the 
Army Equipment Depot, for 4,000 metres of blue tunic doth 
(Kjolekloede ), 5,500 metres light material for fatigue jackets 
( Vaabenlroicr J , 500 metres deep red badge doth, 500 metres 
carmine red badge cloth, 8, 000 metres blue material for trousers, 
8,000 metres twill 3' Jf \ 8,000 metres twill 3 r, \ and 5,000 metres 
shirtings. Particulars may be obtained from the chief manager 
of the depot. 
COMMERCIAL LAW INTELLIGENCE. 
“ Oceanic’s” Lowest Speed. — A decision by the president 
of the Admiralty Division that in the collision off the I uskar 
Light in August last between the leviathan Oceanic and 
the steamer Kincora both vessels were to blame, came 
before the Court of Appeal at the instance of the owners of the 
Oceanic. The case for the appellants was that as the Oceanic's 
engines could not work at less than a speed of five and a-half 
knots an hour, and as she could stop in about two-thirds of her 
own length, her speed of six and one-third knots was not 
excessive in foggy weather. The Master of the Rolls, in 
dismissing the appeal, said it might be that the Oceanic could 
stop within the distance indicated, but the fact that she did not 
stop in time to save a collision showed that her speed was 
excessive. 
The Stamp Act and the Bills of Exchange Act.— In the 
case of Brown, Brough and Co. v. National Bank ok 
India, Limited, it was sought to recover a sum of £391. 2s. gd., 
being the amount of a draft drawn by the Madras branch of the 
defendant bank upon their head office in London. The draft 
was payable on demand to the order of the plaintiffs in 
London, and it was remitted by a firm of Taylor and Co., who 
carried on business in Madras, to the plaintiffs in London in 
payment for goods supplied. J he draft was stolen, and the 
plaintiffs’ endorsement forged on it. In this condition the draft 
was presented at the defendants’ head office, where it was paid. 
It was admitted that the payment was made in good faith and 
in the ordinary course of the defendants’ business. Mr. Justice 
Bigham, in giving judgment, said that it was admitted that 
there was no defence at common law, but two statutory defences 
were set up. The first was under section 9 of the Stamp Act of 
1853. The effect of this section was to protect bankers who 
paid " drafts or orders” under such circumstances as those in 
which the draft in question was paid ; but the plaintiffs said that 
the instrument in this case was not a “ draft or order 1 within 
the meaning of the section, because it was drawn by one branch 
of a bank upon another. In ordinary commercial language tbi$ 
was a draft or order to pay money , indeed, the plaintiffs in 
their statement of claim had so described it ; and a statute 
ought to be construed with reference to the common under- 
standing of those whom it affected. It would follow, if this 
were so, that the section would apply to protect the bank in the 
present case. The second statutory defence raised was undci 
section 60 of the Bills of Exchange Act (1882}. This section 
was similar to section 19 of the Act of 1853, but in it ‘ bill was 
substituted lor draft or order. He was not sure that, even m 
this Act, a “ bill ” might not be drawn by a person, transacting 
business in one place, upon himself transacting business in 
another. Section 5 (ii) pointed to such an instrument. being a 
"bill," His own opinion was that this instrument might be 
treated as a bill, or, if not as a bill, as a promissory note, and 
that it would therefore come within the protection of section 60. 
In his view bankers ought to be protected in the payment of 
such instruments as these, and, apart from authority, he should 
be in favour of deciding that both statutory defences were good. 
