Page:History of merchant shipping and ancient commerce (Volume 3).djvu/501

 inform the magistrates that, in all such cases, their surveyors would be at the disposal of the magisterial bench for the purposes of survey, so that seamen might have, at the expense of the community, what no other class is allowed, easy and ready means of inquiring into their complaints by officers remunerated by the Crown, and, consequently, an economical and prompt dispensation of justice.

In 1867, another Act was passed, specially for the benefit of seamen, known as the Health Act, which made further provision for the inspection and safe custody of lime-juice or other anti-scorbutics, and for serving these out in proper quantities and with regularity to the crews of merchant ships. Provision was also made in this Bill, compelling shipowners to bear all expenses connected with a seaman's illness, when not brought about by his own fault or misconduct, and for securing him increased and improved accommodation on board ship.

Nor did the good intention of the Government and its regard for the interests of seamen end even here. In the Merchant Shipping Code Consolidation Bill, first introduced on the 9th August, 1869, by Mr. Lefevre, on behalf of Government, there is a provision (Clause 278) enabling seamen, charged with desertion or other crimes, to demand and obtain an official survey of the ship from which they have thought it expedient to quit without leave!—a provision so very liberal in their favour as to resemble, on the part of the Government, almost encouragement