The second item of 500,000 tons is the assumed tonnage of vessels (liable to the dues), from which no returns were received in 1846, in consequence of the vessels being absent on long voyages, but which are liable for all that may accrue on their return to the United Kingdom. I have been obliged to assume this item because until 1845 (when the amended Merchant Seamen's Act came into operation), there was no provision made for ships giving in lists when proceeding on their voyages, but only on their return; and I have no doubt but that many vessels left this country even in the course of that year without complying with the law. As the registry advances this item will be exactly ascertained, but I have estimated it to the best of my ability, and I do not think that the aggregate of 2,910,939 is too great, for 1846 was a very active year, and every vessel that could carry a cargo was employed. The deduction of 237,384 from the total registered tonnage of the United Kingdom is made up of 34,179; the tonnage of registered fishing vessels, yachts, and pilot vessels at work, but excluded from payment to the fund, and the tonnage of vessels laid up, under repair, or which have disappeared without being taken off the register of shipping. My conclusion is, that in ordinary years the quantity of tonnage which under the existing law may be brought to book, and taxable for dues, may safely be estimated at 2,800,000 tons. In 1846 it was certainly more, but that, as I have before observed, was the most active year that has occurred for a length of time. 2,800,000 tons, taxed at 8s. per ton, would produce a revenue of 93,3331. The Secretary, &c. &c. I have, &c., J. H. BROWN, Registrar. APPENDIX. No. 9. A RETURN of the NUMBER of VESSELS, with their TONNAGE, that have reported Inwards during the year 1847, having been absent from the United Kingdom upwards of 12 Months. No. 10. To ask Mr. Watson the average number of Seamen in receipt of the benefit of the Fund after 5 years' subscription, 7 years' subscription, 10 years' subscription, and so forth. Memorandum. Merchant Seamen's Office, Birchin Lane, WITH reference to the above queries, I beg to state that I have not the means of furnishing the information asked for the Royal Commission of Inquiry, Merchant Seamen's Fund, but I send herewith particulars which may perhaps to some extent answer the same purpose. The Secretary, &c. &c. (Signed) WM. WATSON. A RETURN of the NUMBER of DISABLED SEAMEN admitted as PENSIONERS of the Corporation for Relief of Seamen, &c., in the Merchant's Service, on account of the Port of London in each Year from 1838 to 1846 both inclusive. Classified according to Age. A RETURN of the NUMBER of DISABLED SEAMEN admitted as PENSIONERS of the Corporation for Relief of Seamen, &c., in the Merchant's Service, on account of Outports under the management of the Corporation in each Year, from 1838 to 1846, both inclusive. Classified according to Age. A RETURN of the NUMBER of SEAMEN, Claimants on the Corporation for Relief of Seamen, &c., in the Merchant Service (on account of the Port of London), to whom Temporary Relief was afforded in each Year from 1838 to 1846, both inclusive. Classified according to Age. APPENDIX. No. 11. A RETURN of the NUMBER of SEAMEN, Claimants on the Corporation for Relief of Seamen, &c., in the Merchant Service, (on account of the Outports under the management of the Corporation,) to whom Temporary Relief was afforded in each Year from 1838 to 1846, both inclusive. Classified according to Age. APPENDIX No. 12. An ACCOUNT of the INCOME and EXPENDITURE of the PRESIDENT and GOVERNORS of the CORPORATION for the RELIEF of SEAMEN in the MERCHANT SERVICE, their Widows and Children, at the Port of London, and the various Out-ports under their management, pursuant to 20 Geo. II., c. 38, and 4 and 5 Wm. IV., c. 52, from 1st January, 1847, to 31st December, 1847, inclusive. PORT OF London. Bridport and Lyme. Cowes. Deal. Gloucester. Newry." Stranraer. Wigtown. 24,905 17 6 Total. * An account from the collector at this port for 1847 not having been received, the return relates only to receipts and payments made on account of Newry at other ports, and of the sub-ports within its jurisdiction. Merchant Seamen's Office, Birchin Lane, WILLIAM WATSON, Secretary. London, April 15, 1848. A GENERAL ACCOUNT of the Receipts and Payments of the Corporation for Relief of Seamen in the Merchant's Service, their Widows, and Children, for the Year 1847. Duty from Out-Ports Vessels of Ports under the management of the Cor-l poration, 1846 857 15 10 12,382 13 7 Cor-} 6,367 2 8 Pensions to Out- Ports Pensioners, 1846 Temporary Relief at London Charges of Management at London, including Rent, Taxes, Salaries, &c. 1,704 0 0 Charges of Management at Out- Ports, 1846. 13,966 2 6 5,674 19 4 Of the Marine Society, Lapsed Annuities under the Sub-) scription for Relief of the Sufferers in Lord Duncan's Victory, October, 1847 Jabez Jackson, Esq. Consolidated Three per Cent. Bank Annuities, for £3,000 sold, at 88 per Cent. 96 15 10 2,655 0 0 Out-Ports Accounts £. s. d. 184 2 2 640 15 11 824 18 1 |