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102 is a large supply of boys willing to go to sea if effective means for their doing so can be provided.

42. The system recently introduced of allowing an abatement of light dues in consideration of the employment of non-premium apprentices or boy sailors appears to us to have worked fairly well. We find that from April 1, 1899, to Sept. 30, 1902, 1,864 boys have been enrolled in the probationer class of the Royal Naval Reserve under this scheme {Appendix M, No» 16). But we cannot think that we can look with any degree of confidence to greatly increased numbers as a result of an extension of the present abatement.

48. For convenience, we summarise our principal recommendations as follows:

We think that the first four of these recommendations will require legislation, and that effect could be given to the succeeding recommendations without any change in the law.

We desire to express our most grateful thanks to the secretary for his invaluable services to us.