CUSTOMS’ OFFICERS AND WRECKS.
The powers of customs’ officers in the matter of wreckage or salvage is a matter of great interest; and as it is referred to in a recent Report by Her Majesty’s Commissioners of Customs, a few notes on the subject may not be out of place. The whole of the wreck-work in the United Kingdom is discharged by these officers, under the general superintendence of the Board of Trade. All wreck found by any person, except the owner thereof, is to be delivered up to the duly appointed person termed the Receiver; and even if found by the owner, the receiver is to be apprised of the facts. The receiver has power, with a warrant from a justice of the peace, to enter into any house or other place wherever situated, and there search for, seize, and detain any wreck he may find. In all cases, he shall, within forty-eight hours after taking possession of any wreck, cause to be posted up at the custom-house in the port nearest to which such wreck was found or seized, a description of the same, and of any marks by which it may be distinguished. In certain cases, he is, moreover, to transmit a description of the wreck in his hands to the Secretary of Lloyd’s in London; and also to any admiral, vice-admiral, lord of the manor, or other person having claims for his own use to otherwise unclaimed wreck.
The work of the receiver includes many transactions in connection with wreck requiring much care, tact, and discretion, involving the arrest and detention of ships and cargoes, on declaration by salvors of claims to remuneration for salvage services, ships and cargoes being held under arrest until salvage claims are settled, or until proper security is given by bond or otherwise in satisfaction thereof, as well as the disposal of the claims of salvors, and the restoration of wreck to the owners thereof, after satisfying such claims, other than for salvage, that may be against it. The receivers are, moreover, authorised to dispose at once of all wrecked goods of a perishable nature; and of all other goods at the end of a year, unless they can be previously disposed of to the advantage of all persons concerned. In the performance of his work, the receiver is to ‘endeavour to make himself acquainted with the persons and characters of the boatmen and others in the district who are likely to act as salvors or to find and recover wreck;’ and he is to ‘remember that the powers of controlling and directing such persons, and of furthering and adjusting their claims for salvage, are to be exercised in such a manner as shall most conduce to the preservation of life and property, and that he stands between them on the one hand and the owner and insurer on the other in an independent and judicial position.’ It is his special duty, whilst providing for the claims of bonâ fide salvors, to protect, so far as his powers permit, owners against vexatious and improper claims. The receiver is further required to proceed to any place in the United Kingdom, either on the shore or in a tidal river, where any ship may be stranded or in distress; and there to take command of all persons present, and issue such directions as he may deem appropriate for the preservation of the ship and her apparel, as well as the cargo and the lives of all persons on board.
The number of wrecks reported in 1884-85 was eleven thousand three hundred and seventy-one; and the number sold or otherwise disposed of, ten thousand one hundred and thirty-three. The amount of money received on account of wreck was twenty-four thousand one hundred and fifteen pounds; but as much of this amount is received in very small sums, it does not adequately represent the very important work performed in this matter every year by the officers of Customs.
A GOLDEN ARGOSY.
A NOVELETTE.
CHAPTER XV.—CONCLUSION.
Miss Wakefield surveyed the group with an air of stony deliberation, and the sharkiness of her uneven teeth displayed itself with distinct unpleasantness. There was a cunning look in her eyes, a look of hate and greed strangely blended with avarice.
Mr Carver, after a premonitory cough, addressed her. ‘Pray, be seated, madam,’ he said with his severest professional manner. ‘The business which has brought us here to-day is not likely to be protracted, and I see no reason why we should not commence at once. I presume you would wish to get it over?’
‘Certainly,’ she said; ‘I see nothing to detain us. I presume the thing is concealed somewhere in the house.’