INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. THE First Issue of "Christie's Shipping Register and Maritime Compendium" is now before the public. Every available assistance has been employed to render this work faithful in all its Maritime Transcripts, and useful in its miscellaneous details. Twenty-four Ports, exclusive of six Sub-Ports, are contained in this issue for 1858, the official information of which has been obtained at considerable expense, yet, notwithstanding this outlay, Three Correct and well executed Charts have been introduced, respectively exhibiting the River Tyne, from the mouth of the Harbour to the Tyne Bridge, the River Wear from the Piers to Pallion Quay, with a plan of the Docks; and the Harbour and Docks of Hartlepool; the Proprietor being desirous to secure the interest and support of his Subscribers by producing a "MARITIME COMPENDIUM" that should be found superior to any other publication of a similar character. It will be seen that the arrangement of page is entirely original, as many ships bear the same name, and as the Official Number is now the distinguishing sign of each ship's identity, this number has been placed immediately before the vessel's name, rendering reference easy and unmistakable; at the same time to each Ship's Classification at Lloyds a separate column has been assigned. In the REGISTERS OF STEAMERS, the Horse Power of each vessel has been given, while a distinct LIST OF LICENSED STEAMERS, Registered at Ports contained in this Book, forms a new and interesting feature. It was proposed to publish an Alphabetical List of Owners and their Ships at the end of each Port, but finding the task would involve a large amount of labour without adding to the value of the work, the idea was relinquished. The MISCELLANEOUS MERCANTILE AND MARITIME INFORMATION is comprised in a distinct division of the Volume; in which will be found numerous valuable Tables; as Proportionate Rates of Freight; Scales of Tonnage; Lists of her Majesty's Consuls abroad, their Salaries and Legal Fees; Licensed Shipping Agents; the Laws regulating the Engagement of Seamen; Fees payaple at Shipping Offices; Receivers of Admirality Droits; Laws of Wrecked Property; Admiralty Notices of Lights and Fog-Signals to prevent Collision at Sea, with explanatory Diagrams; Lloyds' Agents; Medicinal Formula of the Board of Trade; and a variety of information interesting to the Public generally, and highly important to the influential body of the Mercantile Marine. The Work has been carefully arranged and compiled by Mr. J. P. ROBSON, from the Transcripts of the Customs, under the immediate inspection of the Proprietor. The Annual issue of "Christie's Shipping Register" will be as regular as possible in the date of publication, and will appear about the same time as Lloyd's Register, thereby forming a companion to this invaluable Record of Shipping. Shipping Register Office, July 21, 1858. |