On Monday when the Autumn Session of Parliament began Mr.
Leslie Scott severely criticized the draft rules of the Board of Trade on life-saving at sea. He said that ship- owners were prepared for the reconsideration of the whole question of life-saving appliances, but not for precipitate action. He denounced the proposal that life-boats carried under or alongside of davits should be provided for all persons on board a passenger ship. The general safety might be jeopardized thereby. The stability and sea-going qualities of a ship were of the first importance, and a mass of boats might easily defeat the very ends they were intended to serve. Mr. Buxton, we are glad to notice, expressed the opinion that wireless telegraphy ought to be compulsory in passenger ships. When one reviews the story of recent wrecks one must admit that wireless telegraphy has proved itself the greatest safety appliance in existence. Mr. Buxton explained that the draft rules were issued for the purpose of eliciting criticism. He admitted that amendment might be necessary. But he considered that adequate life-saving appliances for every person on board a passenger ship ought to be provided.
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