British Whig (Kingston, ON), Feb. 27, 1884

p.2

EXAMINING MARINERS.

On Friday next the marine examiners will begin their work here, and it is said that uupwards of one hundred skippers will be applicants for the necessary papers. The candidates, in their examination, are guided by certain rules, and it is just as well that these should be known. They must appear punctually and refrain from taking into the room with them books and papers of any kind. An infringement of this rule may involve the expulsion of the offender. If the candidates injure or deface any of the examiners' books and papers, such candidates will be retained until the damage is made good. Should one candidate be found copying from another, or affording any assistance or giving any information during the time of examination, he will subject himself to a failure and its consequences. No candidate will be allowed to work out problems on a slate or waste paper, neither will he be permitted to leave the room until the paper he is engaged upon is handed to the examiners. Candidates will be allowed to work out the various problems by the methods and tables they have been accustomed to use, and will be allowed six hours to perform the work. At the expiration of six hours they will, if they have not finished, be declared to have failed, unless the examiners see fit to lengthen the period in any special case.

From Masters a degree of precision will be required, both in the work and in the results, beyond what is demanded from Mates. In every case where problems are required to be worked out the examination for Master is to commence with the problems for Mate. In all cases of failure the candidate must be examined de novo. If a candidate fails he will not be reexamined until after a lapse of six months service afloat on the inland waters or sea coast, as the case may be, to give him time to gain experience.

As the examination of Masters and Mates is made compulsory the qualifications have been kept as low as possible, but it is distinctly to be understood that the Minister of Marine and Fisheries may raise the standard from time to time if deemed advisable.

Electric Light - Illuminating of Portsmouth - The Kingston & Montreal Forwarding Co. have discussed with M. Lee Ross the feasability of lighting their long wharf at Portsmouth during the summer, the power to be secured from the tannery engine.

A Fine Steamer - str. St. Lawrence building at Clayton, boiler at Thomas Kingford's works at Oswego to cost $5,500; boat to cost $50,000.