The Act of 1852 was repealed and amended by the Act of 1855, which is the chief Act now in force. It is in the main similar to the previous Act, but contains several additions, which are fully shown in the preceding memorandum. The principal of them relate—
1. To the reduction of the number of passengers required to bring a ship within the operation of the Act.
2. To the reduction of the age of a “statute adult” from 14 to 12 years.
3. To the distinction between the upper and lower passenger deck.
4. To the increase of space allowed to passengers.
5. To certificates of exemption for mail steamers.
6. To appeals from the decision of an emigration officer who may decline to grant a clearing certificate.
7. To the stowage of cargo.
8. To the dietary scale for Australian voyages.
9. To the increase in the amount of detention money.