British Whig (Kingston, ON), Jan. 19, 1883

p.2

ENGINEER'S GRIEVANCES.

On Monday evening the Engineers will hold a meeting to discuss the new application of the law in regard to the issue and renewal of professional certificates. It is pointed out that the amended Act, if literally enforced, must tend to wipe out all who are now acting as Assistant Engineers. Henceforth there will be but three classes, - First, Second and Third - and many who have been efficient helpers and expended a great deal of time and means in their efforts to secure advancement, will be left without occupation. The clause which gives particular offence reads thus: Persons holding certificates as First Assistant Engineers, and limited certificates as competent to take charge of passenger steamboats in 1882, may, at any time after the passing of this Act, obtain Third-Class Certificates for a fee of $5. Now mark, this favour is granted, not on merit and in accordance with ability displayed by the candidate in an examination, but of the payment of a petty sum.

What is the effect of such a transaction? That some Engineers are unduly pushed forward; others (not holding First Class Assistant papers or permits) are abandoned and wrongfully dealt by, and the superiors and elders in the profession are forced to submit to unfair competition and low wages. The Engineers are not disposed to submit gracefully to this treatment. They will exchange their views and in all probability send to the Marine Department a protest that cannot be ignored. The Government should not encourage incompetency in the officering of the steamboats. There have been too many accidents already in consequence of carelessness and neglect, and to bring about the results which seem inevitable by the working of the present law is to put a premium upon cheap labour and casualties and death.

Marine News.

Capt. Thomas Taylor has begun the annual inspection of the vessels in port for Lloyd's Register, 1883

Repairs are now being made on the vessels laid up here. The heaviest work will be done between now and the middle of the month.

This year all steamboats have to be inspected by a Hull Inspector residing in Ottawa. This gentleman cannot perform all the work so that it will be almost necessary to appoint a deputy at this port.

p.3 Here & There - Assistant Manager Gregory and Capt. Donnelly, Superintendent, have gone to Montreal to attend the annual meeting of the Dominion Wrecking Company.

The Portsmouth Council will discuss the M.T. Co.'s non-removal this evening.