Cowes Letter Collector to Board 1908 - 1909Extracts from the Book held at the Isle of Wight Records Office Transcribed entries are in Black, entries in Blue relate to other material included the Book, which has not specifically been transcribed. Entries in Italics reflect some degree of uncertainty. Unless otherwise stated the Letters are signed by Collector, A H Drumgoole (until 3 April 1909) and J Stephens from 3 June 1909).
24 February 1908 I have recently given permission (proceedings to be reported later in accordance with standing Regulations) for three or four cargoes of broken granite from Alderney to be discharged at the Town Quay, Newport, an unapproved place up the River Medina, 5 Miles from this Station. On the afternoon of the 21st Instant one of the barges chartered for the conveyance of the stone, the “Normanhurst”, 68 tons net register, of Rochester arrived here and sailed up to Newport without bringing to at the Boarding Station for rummage, which it is essential should be carried out before such vessels proceed to the unapproved place in question. The vessel was hailed as she passed the Watch House, and the Master directed by the Preventive Man to bring to, but he gave no heed to the hail. About a mile further up river the Preventive Officer, who was engaged in shipping Bonded Stores on an outward bound vessel also hailed the “Normanhurst” as she passed, and directed the Master to bring to for rummage. The latter, however, took no notice of this Officers instruction, beyond shouting in reply, if he wanted to rummage the ship and ask him any questions, he could follow him up to Newport if he chose. It was accordingly necessary to despatch the Preventive Officer and crew by the motor launch to Newport as soon as possible and the vessel was dealt with about an hour later. It will be observed that in the Masters explanation, forwarded herewith, he expresses his regrets that he was “not polite” to the Officers – the actual fact that he behaved in the most objectionable manner, and used very foul and abusive language, to them while they were on board in the execution of their duty. He appeared at this Custom House on the following morning and explained verbally to me, what he states in his written explanation, – adding, however, what does not appear in that document, that his conduct was due to his being under the influence of drink. From his condition when he saw me, I could entertain no doubt that this was so, but the fact does not excuse his conduct, which, I submit, it would be well to mark by the infliction of a fine. I have taken the deposit of One Pound from the Master to abide your Honours decision, and beg to point out that if vessels are granted the privilege of discharge from foreign at outlying unapproved places it is very necessary, from every point of view, that they should, wherever possible, to be cleared as to health and rummaged before proceeding to their discharging berths. In the present case an absolutely unnecessary demand was made on the Waterguard officers’ time and unnecessary expence incurred in regard to the consumption of the petrol burned in the running of the launch to Newport and back. (A Boards Order of 26 February waived proceedings in this case on payment of a Fine of £1 and informed the Collector that he should caution the offender to observe the law strictly in future.)
28 February 1908 (To Charles A Fry, Preventive Man) You are herby required to furnish, as soon as possible, an explanation, for the consideration of the Honourable Board, of the circumstances under which you neglected your duty as Watchman, on the watch between Midnight of the 27 Instant and 8am of this date, by being asleep when you were visited by me at 4.25 of this date. 28 February 1908 (Reply by Charles A Fry, Preventive Man) I went on duty at midnight, and patrolled to Town Quay, and Floating Bridge, and a little way below the Royal Yacht Squadron returning to the Watch house as the Church Clock struck 4.am. I then lay down to rest my foot, which has been, and still is, very painful, owing to a swelling of the toe joint; and regret to say I fell asleep. For two nights previous, I have had but very little rest, owing to the illness of my child, my wife also expecting confinement, could not attend to her at night so that I could rest. On Wednesday I was on duty from 4 pm to midnight, went on duty at 9 am, Thursday, was relieved at 2 pm, going on duty again at midnight. The intervals off duty would (had there been no sickness at home) have given me plenty of time for rest, but as it was, when I reached home I was unable to obtain rest, and in fact did not have more than one hours continuous sleep since Tuesday night. I very much regret that I fell asleep while on duty and as it is my first offence of which I have been guilty since entering the service is 1893. I appeal to their “Honours” to deal leniently with me, I do assure them, that I will do all in my power, to see such an occurrence does not happen again. 28 February 1908 I regret to have to report to your Honours that on visiting the Watch House at 4.25am today I found C A Fry asleep. I have called upon him to furnish an explanation of his conduct, and submit for your Honours consideration and directions, a statement which he has furnished. Fry, who has service of 145/12 years, has been under my survey for 5½ years and is a well conducted Officer holding 1 star. I have frequently visited him on watch at all hours of the night, and have not had occasion to complain of lack of vigilance on his part. No previous offence is recorded against him. I understand that his wife is in a delicate state of health at present, and is not able to give to their ailing child the attention which, Fry states, it has fallen to him to devote to her during his time off, and it is possible that the resulting fatigue overcame him in the early hours of this morning and caused this dereliction of duty. I satisfied myself on leaving the Watch House that there was no sign whatever of indulgence in drink about him. (A Boards Order of 2 March 1908 stated ‘The Collector will inform Fry that the Board accept his explanation in this instance, but they desire to impress upon him the necessity for unrelaxed vigilance during the time he is on duty, and that his proper course would have been to represent the facts of the case to his collector with a view to a temporary change in his night watch’)
28 February 1908 I beg to report that, upon the application of Mr George Drover, Shipbroker, I have allowed discharge of two cargoes of broken stone in bulk from Alderney, at the Town Quay, Newport, an unapproved place about 5 Miles from this Station by barges “Ionic” and “Normanhurst” The “Normanhurst” was rummaged inwards under circumstances set forth in my report of 24 February 1908 – the “Ionic” in the Roads here before she proceeded up the river to Newport. The Officers visited the vessels on the 24 Instant while the discharge was in progress. The cargoes were all out yesterday and as, owing to the state of the tide, it was not possible to use the launch for the journey, the Preventive Officer travelled to Newport and back by train in the afternoon and cleared them inwards. His return fare amounts to 1s 2d and this is the only expence so far chargeable against the deposit of £2 which Mr Driver lodged on the 14 instant with his application. Other cargoes are expected to arrive on this account.
9 March 1908 I beg to report that, upon the application of Mr W T Maby, Shipbroker of this port, I have allowed the ketch “Daring” to discharge a cargo of broken stone in bulk, from Guernsey, at St Helens in this Island, a place not approved. The vessel arrived on the 5 instant and the Preventive Officer and one Preventive Man travelled hence St Helens and rummaged her inwards. Their second class railway return fares for this journey amounts to 8/- (ordinary fares). The cargo was all out on the 7 instant, on which day the Preventive Officer alone went to St Helens and cleared the vessel inwards. On this occasion he was able to get a cheap Saturday return ticket at 3s 1d and the total expenses therefore amount to 11s 1d. (Such incidents occurred on a regular basis, and Letters were sent to the Board for each of them.)
10 March 1908 I beg to report that, upon the application of Mr George Drover, Shipbroker, I have allowed the barge “Normanhurst” to load 30 tons cement for Alderney at West Medina Cement Mills, about 2½ miles up the River Medina from this Station. No expenses have been incurred, as the Mills are within the limits visited and supervised by the Waterguard officers in the ordinary course of their duty. Such cargoes have been loaded at this at this place for many years past, and standing authority of the sanction of the concession was given by your Honours in 1894.
11 March 1908 The instructions referred to are carefully borne in mind by the Waterguard Officers here, but no arrivals of Carrier Pigeons have been noted by them. There are comparatively few arrivals from Foreign at this port (19 small trading vessels and 4 yachts since the date (18 September 1907) of the circular referred to) so that a strict observance of your Honours’ instructions in this respect presents no difficulties whatsoever in the accomplishment. Any instance falling within the scope of this Order might be expected to be casual as there are no regular line of vessels importing goods or carrying passengers to this port.
17 March 1908 A report was made by T M Lewis, acting Collector and Surveyor seemingly on a form letter that the Collector was sick and that Mr Parsons, PO Lower Section as acting Second Officer during the Collectors absence. A medical certificate was attached. The Board approved 10 days sick leave. A further 12 days was requested, and granted on 30 March 1908.
17 March 1908 Increments granted to F J Parsons, P O Lower Section, £130 from 9 April and W J Jennings, Assistant £80 from 21 April. In Mr Jennings case a request was made about his conduct whilst in London, and it was confirmed that it ‘was such as to render him deserving of an increase in salary’.
1 April 1908 In Order with the directions on papers Scry 18540/1807 I beg to report that “The Francis” from Zandoorde discharged a cargo of Bricks at Wootton Creek in the month of March. The vessel arrived on the 14th when she was visited and rummaged. She was again revisited and rummaged on the 6th and cleared inwards on the 9th. The visits were made by motor launch and no expenses were incurred. (This was a regular report, and on this occasion signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector)
10 April 1908 In compliance with your directions I beg to report that the only Customs outstation within the limits of this port is that at Ryde, the staff of which is attached to Portsmouth. (Signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector).
10 April 1908 These salvage claims arise in connection with two of four casks of wine which were salved at different parts of the Island within two or three days of each other. One was worthless and destroyed and one realized, exclusive of duty, more than sufficient to pay the salvage claim. The remaining two are subjects of this paper. They are entered in the Receivers Wreck Report Book. The former was found on the 23rd January about 1000 yards out on Ryde sands and was salved by the Coastguard detachment at Springvale, and the latter found floating at sea about 4 miles off Luccombe Chine on 25th January by J Kemp, fisherman, who towed it to Shanklin and with assistance placed it in charge of the Coastguards at that place. I gauged both casks and found that each contained 128 gallons Claret. Samples of the wine was drawn and sent to Southampton for test and the results showed a strength to be n.e. 30o, the actual percentage of proof being 20o. Efforts to trace the ownership of the droits were unsuccessful and as the casks had apparently been in the water for some little time it was considered to dispose of them as early as possible. The sanction of the Board of Trade having been obtained, notices of sale were posted up and circulated and the wine was sold by public auction at the Custom House at this Port on the 6th February under the regulations of the Import code paragraphs 765/767. Each cask realised 1d per gallon, exclusive of duty (total 10/8 each). The charges against the first cask Ref. No, 74 are 16/4 made up as follows:- Board of Trade Commission 6d; report to Lloyds (proportion) 3/4; cartage from Springvale to Cowes 12/6 and against Ref. No. 75 4/8 - Board of Trade Commission 6d; report to Lloyds (proportion) 3/4; carriage of samples 10d. On the first there is a debit balance of 5/8 and on the second a credit balance of 6/-. The cask salved by the Springvale Coastguards involved a considerable amount of labour. It was rolled from the place where it was found to the Coastguard Station, and then as it would not go through the Coastguard gate permission was sought and obtained from the owner of adjoining property to take it through his grounds and to pull down a portion of a wooden fence separating that property from the Coastguard Station through which it was taken into the Station grounds. The cask salved at Shanklin was towed about four miles by Kemp and two others and was brought as close inshore as possible, additional men were engaged to assist in rolling it to the Coastguard Station. Application was made in due course by the respective salvors for award of salvage. Each case was carefully investigated, and having regard to the services rendered it was considered the sum of 30/- would be a fair and reasonable reward for each set of salvors. As no surplus was available from which these amounts could be paid, the claims were submitted to the Board of Trade under paragraph 194 of the Wreck Instructions. (The Board subsequently requested the number of men employed and the time taken in each case. Springvale used 4 men taking 5½ hours plus 6 nights guarding it and Shanklin 3 men to land, 6 to roll it to the Coastguard boathouse and took 4 hours. Payment of 24/- in respect of Shanklin and 30/- in respect of Springvale were subsequently approved. Letters were signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector).
16 April 1908 In compliance with your Order of the 15th inst. I beg to report that a Preventive man is employed on the Motor Launch at this Port. He is paid overtime for attendance in excess of 48 hours for the six weekdays. This extra attendance has, so far, been confined to a few hours at the height of the Yachting season. (Letter was signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector.)
21 April 1908 Woody Bay is an unimportant place nearly midway between Ventnor and St Catherines, has no trade by sea, and the Coastguards stationed there are a detachment from Ventnor. The proposed arrangements by which the station is to be abolished, and the Coast which has hitherto been patrolled by Coastguards stationed there will in future be divided between, and supervised by, Coastguards stationed at Ventnor and St. Catherines is, I consider, from a Revenue point of view quite satisfactory as the distance between the two places is only about 6½ miles and the only means of landing at that part of the coast is by small boat. (This was in reply to the closure of the Woody Bay Coastguard Station, Letter was signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector, the District Captains report attached is shown below): 1. Name of Station to be Closed Woody Bay Complement: 1 Ch. Boatman 1 Commd. Boatman 2 Boatmen Total Coast-line 1 mile 1398 yards Supervision to be transferred to either; or both:
2. Detailed Orders to Station or Stations whose Coast-line is to be extended. Ventnor. Every morning at daylight the coast is to be patrolled, every portion of the coast-line is to be sighted, and any suspicious circumstances, boat or person, investigated for the prevention of smuggling. On nights when a landing is possible, an occasional patrol is to thoroughly investigate all landing places. It will be the duty of Officers and Men to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with Creeks, convenient and possible landing places and all roads and footpaths leading therefrom. To be conversant with habits, customs and ways of fishermen and boatmen, and to watch their association with the Public House fraternity. The Chief Officer is to report any suspicions he may entertain confidentially, it being probably any dutiable articles smuggled will be disposed of thro’ local agents. A constant watch must be kept on Ventnor Beach. St. Catherines. Every morning at daylight the coast is to be patrolled, every portion of the coast-line is to be sighted, and any suspicious circumstances, boat or person, investigated for the prevention of smuggling. On nights when a landing is possible, an occasional patrol is to thoroughly investigate all landing places. It will be the duty of Officers and Men to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with Creeks, convenient and possible landing places and all roads and footpaths leading therefrom. To be conversant with habits, customs and ways of fishermen and boatmen, and to watch their association with the Public House fraternity. The Chief Officer is to report any suspicions he may entertain confidentially, it being probably any dutiable articles smuggled will be disposed of through local agents. Signed by C. W. Winnington Ingram, District Captain, 13 April 1908 (The Station was closed on 31 July 1908.)
29 April 1908 As directed by your Order of the 16 October, I beg to report that one of the six launches, constructed at this port for the Argentine government in Cowes by J S White Ltd, left here this afternoon in tow for Southampton for shipment at that port. (One of the function of Customs at this time was to monitor progress of the building of vessels for the British and foreign governments.)
9 May 1908 I beg to transmit particulars of the barge “Lord Iddersleigh”, from Antwerp via Portsmouth, which I have allowed to discharge a part cargo of cement in bags and window glass in cases at St Helens in this Island, a place not approved for landing of goods from foreign. The vessel arrived from Portsmouth at St Helens at 4pm on 7 instant, and was at once taken in charge by the Coast Guard at Bembridge. As there is no train out of Cowes until 8.45am, the Preventive Officer was accordingly dispatched on his bicycle at 6 o’clock. He arrived at St Helens sufficiently early to allow of the discharge being begun on time for the whole of the goods to be discharged in the course of the day, and landing and examination was completed by 6pm. He reached Cowes on his return at 8pm and the only charge incurred are therefore 4/- for his bicycle allowance and 2/6 for subsistence – total 6/6.
19 May 1908 I have pleasure in reporting to your Honours that since the rendering of the Ages and Capacities Return for the year to 30 December 1907 there has been such a marked and progressive improvement in the discharge of his duty by Mr W J Jennings, Assistant, as to justify me now describing his character under the heading of “zeal” as good. The improvement which I now report is manifest in all branches of his work, and he is availing himself of every opportunity to extend his knowledge of Waterguard duty in practice. As, however, he has only been called out once in the evening to deal with a vessel arriving from foreign (and that a small trader) since the date of the Inspecting Surveyors report No. 2702/1908, I would submit that the present arrangement might be continued as an experiment for a further three months, - a period which will embrace nearly all the yachting season, and in the course of which opportunity may, consequently, be expected of obtaining a more conclusive impression of Mr Jennings ability to deal with this special class of work. (This was agreed by the Board who requested a further report in three months.)
28 May 1908 On the 22 instant was recovered from the sea off Yarmouth I.W. by men of the Coast Guard stationed at that place, a quantity of leaf tobacco which there is every reason to suppose was washed out of the wreck of “H M S Gladiator”. The tobacco is very wet, and has been found to weigh, in that condition, 100 lbs. In accordance with item 101 of the Salvage Instructions I reported the salvage of the tobacco to the Inspecting Commander of Coast Guard at East Cowes. I enclose that Officer’s reply to my letter in which he states his intention of handing over the tobacco to the Naval Officers in charge of the salvage operations at the wreck, and request that I receive your Honours sanction to the adoption of the course proposed.
2 June 1908 I submit for your Honours’ favourable attention the enclosed application, handed to me by the Preventive Men at this port in which they ask to be allowed to relieve in the night watch on weekdays at 11pm instead of midnight, which is the present arrangement approved by your Honours Order of 4 October 1905. The Officers ask for the change on grounds of domestic convenience, and, as can be made without any prejudice to the interests of the Service, and without incurring any extra expence, inasmuch as the 48 hour limit per week for each Officer will not, in consequence, be exceeded, I recommend that it may receive your Honours sanction. (This was approved by the Board.)
4 June 1908 I submit particulars as to the barge “The Francis”, which during the past month arrived from Zandoorde Belgium, and has been allowed to discharge her cargo of Bricks at Wootton Creek. The vessel arrived off Fishbourne Coast Guard Station in the forenoon of the of the 29 Ultimo and, the train service being inconvenient, Wootton Station quite three miles from the berth, I thought it most convenient and expedient to dispatch the Officers hence on their bicycles. A similar course was followed yesterday when the Preventive Officer travelled hence to clear the vessel inwards. The total charges amounted to 6/-.
10 June 1908 (Letter to Harold Enos Fry.) The Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury having requested the Honourable Commissioners of His Majesty’s Customs to appoint you to Preventive Man in that Department; You are to appear before me at this Custom House on Thursday next, the 11 instant, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of answering preliminary enquiries as to your fitness for the office to which you have been nominated. (Fry’s address was given as ‘Shamblers’, Arctic Road, Cowes.) 12 June 1908 With reference to your Honours Order of the 9 instant, I beg to report that, finding Harold Enos Fry appeared to satisfy the requirements set forth under Headings III and IV of the copy of “Qualifications of Candidates”. I arranged for his examination at 11 am of this date, and I now forward his papers herewith in a sealed packet. I also forward Form A duly filled up by Fry in duplicate; copy of this report; and a satisfactory statement by the Preventive Officer here who has taken Fry afloat. I beg also to report: 1. Fry’s state of health is apparently such as to enable him to perform satisfactorily the duties of a Preventive Man. 2. I have no Knowledge of his having been guilty of any offence against Revenue Law. 3. There is no reason to doubt the he is free from pecuniary difficulties. 4. I have no Knowledge of any matter tending to disqualify him for admission to the Service. Fry informs me that he has not been vaccinated since he was an infant, and expresses his readiness to undergo re-vaccination if called on to do so. Fry’s chest measure was taken by Wilford’s chest measure, and found to be 33½/35½ inches = 34½ mean. His height is 5 feet 8½ inches. (Fry was appointed to fill a vacancy for a Preventive Man at Portsmouth on 9 August 1908.)
13 June 1908 From a seizure report form sent to the Board, only the handwritten part is shown in the book. Rummage of Yacht Pauline from Gibraltar, H Moore, Cook. Goods concealed under in Ballast Box under swing table. Offender was offered and accepted the option of depositing treble duty (£3 9s 6d) in lieu of proceedings before the Magistrates. Officers involved F J Parsons PO, E J Osborne PM (Detecting Officer), W G Geeves PM, A J Cassell PM. (This is
17 June 1908 Referring to the application for leave by Mr T M Lewis, and for the services of an Examining Officer to aid at this port during his absence, I should be glad, if I am permitted to make such a request, if Mr A E Perrett, Examining Officer Class II, London, could again be sent to furnish the required assistance. Mr Perrett shewed himself to be most competent and useful during the two months last year in which he was on similar service and his good address and care for appearance make him a desirable Officer for employment at a port such as this, and in the particular period of the year during which his services would be required. (The Collectors request was not accepted and Mr E A Richardson, Examining Officer Class II sent.)
17 June 1908 From a seizure report form sent to the Board, only the handwritten part is shown in the book. Catania Steam Yacht from Algiers, Alfred Watts, Carpenter .03 gallon Perfumed Spirit found beneath the boards in the Carpenters Shop. Offender was offered and accepted the option of depositing treble duty (£3 9s 6d) in lieu of proceedings before the Magistrates. Officers involved, E J Osborne PM in Charge, W J Jennings, Assistant, W G Geeves PM (Detecting Officer), A J Cassell PM, C A Fry PM (Detecting Officer).
18 June 1908 The examination of E J Osborne, Preventive Man, having been carried out today, between 10am and Noon, in accordance with the directions contained in yours of the 10 instant, I forward herewith his replies (on 6 sheets) to the questions set.
20 June 1908 From a seizure report form sent to the Board, only the handwritten part is shown in the book. H.M.S. Eclipse, Home Fleet, John Truelove, Private R.M.L.I. Bought in Post Bag from “H.M.S. Eclipse” at Cowes for dispatch by Parcel Post. Handed over by the Postmaster. Treble duty paid value (£1) deposited in lieu of proceedings before the Magistrates. Commanding Officer Informed. Detecting Officer A M M Dowling, Sorting Clerk & Telegraphist.
20 June 1908 I beg to report that, in the enclosed application from Mr G Drover, Ship Broker, I have allowed the landing of 100 tons of clay by the barge “Thistle”, 79 tons net register, from Guernsey, at Yarmouth in this Island, a place not approved. The concession has been granted for many years past, and by your Honours Order of 5 September 1794, standing authority was conferred on the Collector here to sanction it on application without reference to your Honours.
3 July 1908 (Boards Order acknowledged by Collector.) The use of badges on the bows of Customs Boats originally proscribed by G.O. 92/1906, was withdrawn by G. O. 4/1908, but experience shows that at certain ports they are quite desirable on the Motor Boats. The Advising officer may therefore affix them, at discretion, to such motor boats as he considers suitable, and renew them when worn out.
3 July 1908 One or two cases which have occurred at this port lead me to submit to your Honours whether some trifling additions to the Regulations governing the importation of dogs is not desirable. On the 7 May last the Master of a home trade vessel took on board at Antwerp a dog, with which he sailed to the Tyne, leaving there for West Hartlepool, he shipped coal at that port for Yarmouth (in this Island), and the dog has been advised from port to port and duly been identified as being on board at each port of call. The vessel has now been cleared out here for Guernsey, from which place she will return with a cargo to be discharged at the port of Rochester, and it appears to me that is such cases (which are probably not of inconsiderable number) there is a danger that by the movement of the animal to a non-restricted port, whence it will be re-imported onto this country, it may cease to be kept under official supervision for the prescribed period. It is my practice to endeavour to ascertain from the Master of the vessel when clearing out for the Channel Islands to which port in this country he will return, and the letter of advice is sent hence to that port – which course has been followed in the present instance. If I am right in assuming that the expression “foreign port” in paragraph 415 of the Importation code would be held by officers to cover vessels departing from the Channel Islands, I submit that the general adoption of the local practice would be desirable for the reasons stated above. (This appears have been favourably received by the Board, and was included in the next Omnibus General Order.)
13 July 1908 A small racing yacht of the eight metre class having been built in Norway to represent that country in the yacht racing in connection with the forthcoming Olympic Games, her transport to this country, entirely free of any charge, was undertaken by the owner of the Norwegian steamer “Ganges Rolf” as a friend of the builder. The steamer, on her passage from Christiania to Rouen, with a cargo of wood pulp called in the Roads here yesterday (Sunday), and the application of a local shipbroker commissioned to attend the business I allowed the yacht, which had been carried on the “Ganges Rolf” deck, to be put over the side, and her crew of 4 amateurs landed. Report was made, an Entry passed, and the yacht itself with all her sails, gear, & stores examined. The steamer proceeded at once in continuation of her voyage and my proceedings are now for your Honours approval.
13 July 1908 The motor launch at this port is very rarely employed after dark, - indeed her masthead and side lights have only been used once since she was taken over in March 1906. The course, however, to be followed in such circumstance would be that the side lights would be screened; the masthead light kept visible; and the craft left in charge of one or two of her crew, who would display a white light to any approaching vessel. (This was in reply to a query from the Board about the procedure adopted when moored at night at a pier or wharf or alongside another vessel.)
23 July 1908 I beg to make application for the supply of a small blue ensign 4 ft. 6 ins. by 2 ft. 6 ins. For use in the motor launch “Nimble” at this port. The one supplied on 6 May 1905 is now unfit for use. (Received on 29 July.)
26 July 1908 (Letter from Col. Bagot.) I wish to bring to bring to your notice the following – On the 24th July I arrived Ryde I. of W. from Antwerp on my yacht “Creole” at about 8.30am and hoisted an ensign at the masthead. No Custom House Officer came on, and about noon I rowed to the pier where I was met by a Coastguard who refused me permission to land, though I had no baggage of any sort with me – after considerable delay and argument he accorded me what he termed the privilege of landing but at the same time told me none of my crew could land till the yacht had been cleared by the Custom House Officers. The Custom House Officers did not board until about 3.30pm. I would ask if this was strictly regular and point out the great inconvenience of not being able to land to get letters or food on arriving from foreign for many hours. I would mention that on the same morning the “America” Steam Yacht was not allowed to land anybody, but being a steamer was able to go to Southampton to clear. The Secretary of my club dispatched a telegram to the Inspector of Customs at Portsmouth about 2.30pm asking for instructions as to what was to be done, but as yet has received no reply. If through ignorance I have addressed this to the wrong department, I would be much obliged if you would forward it on. 31 July 1908 (Report by Collector Portsmouth.) The explanation of the PO at Ryde is annexed. On this date Spithead and Stokes Bay were full of warships just arrived from manoeuvres at foreign stations – most were giving leave to their crews and all my available staff were busier with the necessary preventive measures. I know from the reports of the Portsmouth Officers that the Ryde Crew were occupied as stated and that there was no remissness on the part of the Officer in charge. There was no wind and having to row their progress between Spithead and Ryde was necessarily slower than is ordinarily the case. About 3.30pm a telegram from Ryde Yacht Club to the effect that the “Creole” had arrived and could not obtain clearance was delivered at the Custom House. It reached my hands shortly before 4 on my return from visiting a sugar steamer from Hamburg which was discharging up the Harbour & I at once dispatched a PO and men in the Customs launch to Ryde to clear the yacht but on their arrival they found that the Ryde crew was already on board and had done what was necessary. 1 August 1908 The Collector had an interview with the Inspecting Commander of Coastguard on the 28th ult., and the latter has taken steps to ensure in future that the Coastguard Watchman on Ryde Pier Head will use more discretion when dealing with yacht owners and allow them to land, if from some unavoidable circumstances unnecessary delay would be caused by waiting for the Customs Officer to clear the vessel, providing the health questions could be answered satisfactorily. A letter similar to the one on enclosure was received by the Inspecting Commander of Coastguard from Lieut. Col. Villiers Bagot. I think that the Coastguard in refusing Lieut. Col. Bagot to land before practique had been granted was acting strictly within his duty, but under the circumstances he might have used a little discretion, and after satisfying himself there was no sickness on board the vessel, have permitted the landing. (Signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector). 6 August 1908 (Reply from A J Hotham, Inspecting Commander of Coastguard to the Collector.) In reply to your letter of the 5th August, I beg to point out that the statement that Colonel Villiers Bagot was refused permission to land by the Coastguard is incorrect. Col. Villiers Bagot on approaching the steps of Ryde Pier was met by the Chief Officer of H M CG at Ryde, and after Col Bagot had answered the health questions contained in the Quarantine Regulations 18 July 98, Admiralty, page 8, he was allowed to land. The whole of this procedure only occupied a few minutes. I replied personally to Col. Bagot at the R.V.Y, club Ryde on 28th July. 11 August 1908 Ryde ceased to be a Coastguard Boarding Station on the 1st October 1905. The Coastguard do not render any assistance to the Customs in actual Boarding duties. The arrangement is that should a yacht arrive from Foreign when the Customs Staff are away from the Station on rummaging or other duties, and delay would be caused by awaiting their return. The Coastguards will go off to the yacht and put the Health questions, and if these are answered satisfactorily persons wishing to land will be at liberty to do so. (Signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector). 12 August 1908 (Minute by Board.) Reply to Lieut. Col. Bagot that the Board regret the delay experienced on arrival at Ryde. The Board are satisfied that the delay was not due to any remissness on the part of their officers who were exceptionally busy on that day clearing vessels in Spithead. In future similar circumstances the Coastguard Officers at Ryde Pier Head will allow passengers to land provided the health questions are satisfactorily answered. Upon receipt of the telegram referred to the Collector at Portsmouth he despatched Officers to Ryde in the Launch but on arrival the found that the Ryde Officers had already dealt with the yacht. Inform Collectors Portsmouth and Cowes.
8 August 1908 (Précis of memo from Office of Works.) The house adjoining Customs Watch House let for 6 years for £10 pa (previous tenant, Mrs Perry paid £12 pa). This had earlier been used as staff accommodation
12 August 1908 On the evening of the 1st instant the Deputy Governor of the Isle of Wight, Mr J.B.H. Cochrane, M.V.O., D.L., when paying his official visit to the King was taken off in the Customs launch to the Royal Yacht in Cowes Roads, and also on the 5th Instant on the occasion of his official visit to the Prince of Wales. For this service he has forwarded me a cheque of £1 for distribution among the officers who we in the launch, and I beg to request your Honours directions in the matter. The officers engaged on the launch were Mr Parsons, P.O., Fry P.M. and Osborne P.M & Launchman. The two first named men were on Crown overtime on each occasion, but Osborne, who is liable to 60 hours attendance weekly, received no additional remuneration. In August 1905 when Mr Cochrane used the launch for a similar purpose he sent a gratuity of £1 for division among the Officers then employed and the circumstances were reported to your Honours, but the report was withdrawn and unofficial sanction given for distribution of the money to the Officers concerned. (Signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector). 14 August 1908 (Reply from Board.) We would rather you settled the matter as in the last instance in 1905, we do not wish to know anything about it. Perhaps you would therefore withdraw your report and letter and proceed as in 1905. (The report was withdrawn and the overtime to the officers repaid by them.)
13 August 1908 I beg to report that on rummaging the steam yacht “Latona”, 125 tons of Southampton from Rouen this morning the Waterguard officers discovered 2¾ lbs tobacco and 1lb of tobacco concealed in the Chief Officers berth. That Officer, W Stoneage, admitted the ownership of the tobacco and deposited treble duty paid value, £3 – 8 – 3, in lieu of being proceeded against before the Magistrates. In view of the position of the Offender and the method of concealment which points to a deliberate attempt to smuggle, I submit that the whole of the deposit should be retained. As the Offender was a “responsible officer” I called for the deposit of £5 to avoid detention of the vessel, and this amount was paid to me by the Master on behalf of Colonel Hankey, who has the yacht on charter, and I now forward the application from that gentleman for the return of this deposit. There is no reason to suppose that Colonel Hankey knew anything of this attempt to smuggle the tobacco, nor do I think the Master and Officers were privy to it. (Signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector, the Officers involved were F J Parsons, P.O., E J Osborne, P.M. and detecting Officer, A J Titheridge, P.M. and C.A. Fry, P.M. The deposit by the offender was brought to account as a fine. £2 of the deposit on the vessel was retained, the Board noted that this amount would probably be deducted from the offenders wages.).
11 August 1908 I beg to report that the annual survey of the motor launch “Nimble” at Cowes, having become due, tenders for the necessary work including the fitting of a new teakwood casing over motor, also fixing new steering gear and were obtained on a specification, and the lowest offer received, Viz £11:18:6, from Mr C Lallow, being fair and reasonable, I instructed him to carry out the work. Upon the boat being placed on a slipway, certain additional repairs were found necessary to the rudder, also a new circulating pump for motor, and these services were carried out at an additional cost of £9:1:6. Further, to avoid prolonged stoppage of the “Nimble” the new parts required in connection with the steering gear, were ordered of Messrs. Gill & sons of Rochester, at the cost of £6:16:3. Both hull and motor are in excellent order, and the alterations carried out are a very great improvement. I therefore enclose certified Bills (in duplicate) for the services referred to for favour of the Boards approval and payment, please, the expenses being met out of the sum allowed for the maintenance of His Majesty’s vessels during the current year. (Signed by M Travis, Advising Officer, not based at Cowes, and approved the following day.)
26 August 1908 I beg to forward a letter from Hamburg America Lines in which they state that the S.S Oceana will arrive at Cowes from Hamburg on the 3rd proximo with a party of about 350 passengers who will land at Cowes and re-embark at Ryde on the same day in continuation of a trip to Teneriffe, and they ask that the dutiable stores may not be placed under seal – a privilege that was granted to the “Meteor” last year under similar circumstances. I submit the application be granted conditionally upon: 1. The vessel reporting and clearing at Cowes 2. The Master giving an undertaking in writing that no dutiable stores will be landed in the United Kingdom by any passengers or members of his crew. 3. The Agent makes a formal request and deposit £2 to cover any expenses. 4. Returns being furnished under the Aliens Act. In regard to the requirements of the Aliens Act, I beg to ask for instructions whether, in this case Form 387 is to be filled up by the master in accordance with para. 41 of G.O. 88/1907, or whether as the vessel is an excursion steamer & landing passengers from the Continent and re-embarking them on the same day in continuation of a trip which presumably will end when she returns to the Continent forms 441 & 442 (Incoming & Outgoing Passenger Returns will not meet the case under paras. 46 & 50 of the aforementioned General Order. (Signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector. Accepted by the Board).
26 August 1908 Memo from the Board following a query from the American Ambassador about the privileges accorded to American yachts arriving in British waters. Yachts, British and Foreign arriving at or sailing from a British port are not required to enter or clear, and are not required to obtain cruising licences. An annual payment of 1/- per ton is imposed as Light dues on all yachts 5 tons and upwards. It is, I believe, of some port to accept Light dues from foreign yachts, if tendered, but should there be no offer of payment no steps are taken enforce it. Foreign sailing yachts of and above 5 tons registered tonnage, coming to the United Kingdom for racing purposes only are exempted from the payment of Light dues if holding a certificate showing that they are in territorial waters for the sole purpose of racing. This department is not concerned with the levying of tonnage or harbour dues. (The Collector at Cowes was asked to look at this memo and offer any observations with reference to the American Ambassadors enquiry.)
28 August 1908 I have read the memo and can add nothing very material to it. Foreign yachts belonging to a recognised yacht club are allowed the free use of dutiable stores whilst in British waters, a privilege not allowed to British yachts. In regard to Light dues the annual charge of 1/- per ton is subject to an abatement of 20% (at this Port all foreign yachts liable to Light dues are called upon to pay and do pay these dues). From enquiries made I learn that the only local charges on foreign yachts at this Port are Harbour dues, and these are payable only when moorings laid down by the Harbour Commissioners are used. (Signed by T M Lewis, acting Collector.)
3 September 1908 As directed by your Honours Order of 5 May last, I beg to report that in the interval since I made my report of 19 May Mr Jennings has given me entire satisfaction by his conduct, capacity and zeal. He has frequently been afloat with the Waterguard Officers for the purpose of rummaging etc. and has, in addition, taken charge of the crew for such work. The results have been quite satisfactory, and I submit therefore that the arrangements suggested by the Inspecting Surveyor may be made permanent.
7 September 1908 (Memo within the Board.) The arrangement suggested is that the P.O, Senior P.M., and Assistant remain “on call” for Waterguard work from 4pm to 10pm for a week each in turn. Now that the Assistant is fully qualified to take charge of a Waterguard crew the Collector suggests these arrangements be brought into operation. (This was approved subject to review in six months.)
3 September 1908 I beg to report that on the 31 ultimo C A Fry, Preventive Man, sustained personal injury in the discharge of his duty, a cask of Spirits shipped as stores per steam yacht “Xarifa”, and which was in the course of examination on board the vessel, slipping and jamming the fingers of his left hand with the result that the forefinger was broken at the first joint. I attach a certificate by the Doctor in whose care Fry is, but, as the injured finger is progressing favourably, and Fry himself id desirous of undertaking such light duties as he is fit for, I am allowing him to come on duty for the purpose of watch-keeping, in which he will have no manual, but only clerical and pedestrian work to perform. (A note was received stating that the Board would give favourable consideration to a request for medical expenses.)
4 September 1908 (Report to Collector by T M Lewis, Second Officer when acting as Collector) The S.Y. “Nirvana” arrived here from Havre on the evening of the 18 August. On the following morning the Boarding Officers informed me that the owner, Mr Powell, amongst other stores produced a case containing 11 bottles of Benedictine which he claimed as his property and said it was not duty paid. The Officer told him he should place it under seal, but as the owned declined to provide a place for that purpose, it was brought to the Kings warehouse. Mr Powell came to Custom House and complained of the actions of the Officers in refusing to allow him the use of the Benedictine on board but I pointed out that British yachts while cruising in home waters are not allowed the free use of dutiable stores and that he could have the Benedictine on payment of the proper duty; or that it could be put on board under seal if a suitable place was provided, or left in the Kings warehouse. As he required the Spirits he finally agreed to pay the duty, and a bottle was opened for the purpose of ascertaining the quantity chargeable. This was found to be 1.15 gallons, and at 16/4 per gallon the duty amounted to 18/9. I told him that if he desired a bottle could be sent for test and then the duty would be at the rate of 12/6, and he asks that this course should be followed. Accordingly the bottle which was opened was sent to Southampton and the test note showed the Benedictine to contain 74.4% of proof spirit. The quantity now chargeable with duty was 10 bottles each .105 = 1.05 ullage = .78 proof spirit and the duty 9/9 which amount was paid on the 27 ult. and the case cleared from the Kings warehouse. (This followed a complaint to the Board from the owner, Mr James Powell, the Collector on his return wrote to the Board stating that he considered the action perfectly regular. The action was confirmed by the Board in their reply to Mr Powell.)
2 September (extract received from the Admiralty regarding proposed closures of Coastguard Stations.) 1. Name of Station to be Closed Foreland Complement: 1 Chief Boatman, 1 Commanding Boatman, 2 Boatmen, Total 4 Total Coast-line 2 miles 1320 yards Supervision to be transferred to either; or both:
2. Detailed Orders to Station or Stations whose Coast-line is to be extended. Extend Bembridge station Guards to meet those of Sandown at Whitefield. Present system of patrols to be modified so that all the coast may be sighted just after daylight during fine or moderate weather : an occasional irregular patrol to visit possible landing places. On stormy nights when wrecks are likely to occur, also during fog, an occasional patrol to visit the guards. 3. Coast Communication Telephone : proposals for maintaining communication on the station being abolished. Coast Communication telephone to be removed.
1. Name of Station to be Closed Spring Vale Complement: 1 Chief Boatman, 1 Commanding Boatman, 2 Boatmen, Total 4 Total Coast-line 1 miles 385 yards Supervision to be transferred to either; or both:
2. Detailed Orders to Station or Stations whose Coast-line is to be extended. Sea View: Western guard to be extended 1072 Yards to corner where roads meet on western side of Dovers. Ryde: Eastern guard to be extended about the same distance to the same spot. Present system of patrols to be modified so that all the coast may be sighted just after daylight during fine or moderate weather : an occasional irregular patrol to visit possible landing places. On stormy nights when wrecks are likely to occur, also during fog, an occasional patrol to visit the guards. 3. Coast Communication Telephone : proposals for maintaining communication on the station being abolished. No Coast Communication telephone fitted. (The Collector replied on 8 September that “The proposed arrangements are, in my opinion, satisfactory”, Spring Vale was closed on 1st November, for Foreland see below.)
9 September 1908 I have, since receipt of the Secretary’s letter at the end of last September, kept before me the requirements of your Honours’ Order, 387/1907, and I address this report to your Honours after careful consideration of the points to which my attention was directed, - not only may I add, since those special directions reached us, but throughout the whole period since, in May 1905, I first raised the question of the employment of a motor-boat at the port. The boat now in service was on trial for 10 weeks of the summer of that year, and was taken into permanent use on 15 March 1906, so that my opportunity for observation has been apply sufficient to justify me now speaking with definiteness and assurance such as I could not assume until any knowledge of the boat and motor and their capabilities was fuller. Efficiencies: a) as to the boat and motor On this point I am able to assure your Honours the boat “Nimble” and Fay and Bowler motor with which she is fitted has been entirely satisfactory in use and in wear. There has not been a single breakdown of any description, and, when she was hauled up earlier this summer for her annual overhaul, and I inspected the opened out machinery with the local overseer acting on behalf of the Superintending Engineer, it was found that practically all the parts had worn well and were in satisfactory condition, and that very little in the way of renewal was necessary. The Superintending Engineer, after his personal inspection when the overhaul had been completed found himself able to state to your Honours in his letter of the 11 ultimo that both the hull and motor were in excellent order. I believe the motor to be a thoroughly good one, and though its consumption of petrol is somewhat heavier in proportion to the power developed than some others in use there are compensating advantages in the way of simplicity of handling, ease in minor repairs, and which may I think, which may be set against the expensiveness in that respect. As to the particular motor in use here, I must add – and I believe the Superintending Engineer would endorse the statement – that the fact I am able to report in such terms as I have used concerning it is very much due to the admirable and praiseworthy manner in which it has been tended and driven by the Preventive Man who has been in charge of it from the first – Edward J Osborne. I am acquainted with a case in which a precisely similar supplied to a private owner (the Bishop of Ripon) has given constant trouble in working and I am assured by the (Independent) Consulting Engineer on whose recommendation the Bishop bought the motor that the difficulties and breakdowns which had been experienced were due to careless and inefficient driving. Osborne has throughout devoted himself to the care of the engine, and, by his intelligent application acquired a degree of proficiency in driving and caring for it, which makes it my duty to say that had it been in careful and competent hands I might not have been able to use in this report the almost unreservedly favourable terms I have employed. b) the motor boats contribution to the efficiency of the Waterguard service As to this, it is the governing consideration to be borne in mind that it would not be possible to accomplish satisfactorily the boarding duties at Cowes during each years yachting season without the use of a mechanically-propelled launch of some description. For eight years prior to the purchase of the “Nimble” some motor launch had been annually hired for the period referred to. There is no doubt that the anticipation which I expressed in my letter to Mr Stoneham of 9 May 1905 that much greater expedition and reliability would be secured by the employment of the motor-boat than had been hitherto possible of achievement by means of indifferent craft hired out to the Department has been amply realised. I am satisfied that the conditions of boarding work has been considerably improved for the Officers, and also that very desirable despatch and readiness in the accomplishment of their work, unattainable without such aid, have resulted and are appreciated by yacht owners. As regard the Revenue, the Officers radius of action has been considerably increased, and trading vessels discharging at outlying have been visited and supervised to an extent which would not have been otherwise possible. It is probable that not the least valuable effect of the use of the boat has been the increased time and strength set free for actual rummaging etc. on the part of Officers conveyed to the scene of their duties by such means and causing consequently, to their work in physical condition very different from that in which they were sometimes left in former days after arduous and exhausting rowing against wind and tide. This view was emphasised by the Secretary in his memorandum of 26 September 1905 and experience fully confirms the practical importance of such a consideration. There can be no question that in the event of changes in the guarding of the coast which have been foreshadowed in communications from your Honours to the outports being carried out, the motor-boat will be a valuable aid to the oversight of various Revenue stations by the supervising officers. Economies effected Except in that view in which greater efficiency and more useful application of Officers’ capabilities may be regarded as economy, I do not think that it is possible to estimate any saving that has resulted from the employment of the motor boat. The number of staff has not been affected, as the establishment here remains at it was before the “Nimble” was brought into permanent use, and is, I consider, adequate to the needs of the port while yachting and trade conditions continue as at present, there should be no necessity to recommend any alterations in numbers. It is possible that some small saving in overtime may have resulted, but as a whole – and leaving out of consideration sums which have been expended in adding to the original equipment of the boat appliances which have increased her safety and efficiency – the account appears to remain, substantially, as before. Upkeep and stores for the punt formerly in use amounted, I find, to a little over £4 per annum on average. Depreciation about £1 per annum, and on average annual cost of launch hire (1899 – 1905) £95, make a total of £100. Against this figure, in respect of “Nimble” and dinghy are, roughly, depreciation £31, drivers allowance £16, Stores and minor repairs £52 – 10 – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||