British Whig (Kingston, ON), March 4, 1884

p.1

The Marine Examinations.

The Editor, British Whig.

"But man, proud man,

Drest in a little brief authority,

Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven,

As makes the angels weep."

Sir, - These lines were brought forcibly to my mind by the actions of a certain Board in refusing a Master's certificate to Mr. Ozec Lantier. The Act of Parliament assented to May 25th, 1883, reads: "Every person, who, before the 1st Jan., 1883, served as Master in a ship trading on the inland waters of Canada, and who has produced satisfactory evidence of his sobriety, experience, ability and general good conduct on board, shall be entitled to a certificate of service as Master, etc." Mr. Lantier has been sailing continuously since 1885, was mate a number of years, and had command of the str. Wellington in 1872 and of the steamer Bay of Quinte in 1874. He produced evidence to that effect, yet, for reasons best known to the examiners, they did not give Mr. Lantier the certificate the law says he is entitled to. Why? Echo answers why? A year or so ago as I was walking along the street I saw a large boy pummelling a small one. I took the big fellow by the coat collar and asked him what he meant by such actions. "Why, sir," said he, "he's French."

I hope that Mr. Lantier's examiners have at least as good a reason for plucking him.

Yours, etc., FAIR PLAY

The Editor, British Whig.

Dear Sir, - I would like to ask the Marine examiners through your columns where they get authority in the Act for the following:

1 - To pass an applicant in Toronto for competency as Master who had only held the position of Pursur previous to 1883.

2 - To pass a Master on servitude who had no service as Master previous to 1883.

3 - To require a Master on competency for minor waters for a steamboat to be able to fit out a fore and aft schooner.

Your, etc., One Of The Boys

p.3 Well Done - The competition of the sailors, in regard to passing for competency, has been very keen since the opening of the examination. Out of six who have tried only two succeeded in getting through, C. Beaupre and James Hanley. These men deserve credit, as the examination is very difficult.

Here & There - Capt. Wm. Elliot, Clayton, owner of the str. Junita, will, this spring, make some improvements in the steamer, and will come out in fine shape for pleasure travel.

Raising The Wages - Laborer's Union to be formed, addressed by Mr. Halligan, President of Shoveller's Union.

MARINE ENGINEERS.

The following list shows the Engineers' Certificates granted by the Board of Steamboat Inspectors, which sat in Toronto last week. The lists includes new certificates, promotions and renewals:

First Class - Francis Munro, Kingston.

Second Class - Isaac Boyd, Garden Island; John McCallum, ___; J.H. Dickson, W. Derry, John Dodds, Ed. Girard, Jas. Gillie, W. Hazlett, W. Kennedy, W. Miller, J. Mundell, John Miller; T. McBride, R. McCaull, H. Thurston, W. Robson, Kingston.

Third Class - Sam. Somerville, Chas. Goyotte, Thomas Cornick, G. Hazlett, G. Henderson, Robt. McBride, Nicholas McFaull, sr., Wm. Parker, Jacob Matthews, Kingston.

James Johnston, Owen Sound, has been recommended to the Minister of Marine for a first class certificate, and James Stewart for a third class.