PREFACE.

IN presenting Volume IV. of Maritime Notes and Queries to the public, we deem it necessary to offer a few words of explanation as to its seemingly long delay in the course of publication. The book has been withheld pending the passage through both Houses of Parliament of Merchant Shipping Bills that were introduced in the House of Commons in the two consecutive years of 1877 and 1878, and which were withdrawn towards the close of the Sessions. Another measure founded on that of 1878, it is said will be laid before Parliament next Session; but judging from the provisions of the Bill of the present year, the answers to letters in the former volumes and in the present edition will not be affected by the changes. The value of such a work as Maritime Notes and Queries consists in the information it affords of the practical working of contracts of affreightment, culled from the experience of captains of ships, shipping agents, owners, and merchants, and gathered together in a collected form for the study of those who may be connected with Shipping. Many of the questions may appear to be not altogether new, but it will be found on comparison with the three previous volumes that there is sufficient novelty in most of them to entitle their writers to a more extended perusal and consideration.

The only new Act of Parliament relating to Shipping which has passed the Legislature since Vol. III. was issued is that relating to the Removal of Wrecks. That Act is given in extenso at page 230.

Among the questions of interest in Volume IV. may be mentioned those pertaining to the Afloat Clause; to Unseaworthy Ships under Charter;

to Loss of Charter by the consequences of Collision; to the Lights of Tugs in Tow; to the neglect of Harbour Authorities; and Bill of Lading Quantities. Each of those subjects has been specially treated, and the Index indicates the pages at which they may be found. The lawsuits that took place through the sinking of the Strathclyde (s) by the Franconia (s) resolved, by a judicial decision, the rule as to what constitutes an "overtaking" from a "crossing" ship, and the case, as dealt with by the Shipping and Mercantile Gazette, may be understood by the details furnished at page 175.