JUNE 1.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 1509

'tween decks independently. The feeders shall contain not less than 2½ per cent. and not more than 8 per cent. of the compartments they are designed to feed.

(c) All other grain in the upper 'tween decks and/or erections must be in bags and have shifting-boards fitted.

(d) Deep Tanks.—A vessel loading part cargo of bulk grain not exceeding two-thirds of the total cargo-carrying capacity of such vessel will not be required to have a feeder for the deep tank, provided the deep tank is divided by a steel centre longitudinal bulkhead and that the bulk grain is well stowed, the tank completely filled, and hatch-covers secured. Feeders will be required over deep tanks for vessels loading in excess of this quantity.

STOWAGE.

12. (1) In loading, the grain shall be properly stowed, trimmed, and secured.

(2) Feeders must be suitably arranged as far as possible to feed the different parts of the holds or compartments, and when this can be done in ships of ordinary proportions minimum capacity of feeders in 'tween deck vessels is not to be less than 2½ per cent. and not more than 8 per cent. of the capacity of the holds which they are designed to feed, and in the case of single-deck vessels the minimum capacity of the deep hatch-coamings is not to be less than 2-per-cent. capacity of the holds.

(3) Capacity of feeders is to be the net internal capacity after allowing for shifting-boards, shores, or hatch-beams measured above the line of the deck to the top of the feeder.

If the depth of the hatch end-beams or coamings exceeds 15 in., special means must be adopted to allow the grain to pass from the feeders to the holds. When the depth is 16 in., 2 in. in diameter, and when 18 in., 3½ in. in diameter, feeding-holes are sufficient when spaced not more than 2 ft. apart.

(4) In ships fitted with 'tween decks, should the distance in the lower holds between the forward and after bulkheads in such hold and the nearest end of the hatchway feeder exceed 25 ft. (unless in the opinion of the Surveyor the distance should be less) the vessel must have a supplementary feeder provided on each side of the 'tween decks forward and aft to feed the space in the hold below; the size of the supplementary feeder to be prescribed by the Surveyor: Provided that if supplementary feeders to the lower holds are not fitted the grain in the end spaces shall be levelled off and a proper platform provided and four tiers of bagged grain stowed on the platform to within 25 ft. of the end of the main feeder. This rule shall apply to the lower 'tween decks in the case of three-deck vessels when this compartment and the hold are loaded as one compartment.

(5) When bulk grain does not completely fill the compartment in which it is carried and is secured by bagged grain or other suitable cargo laid on top of the grain in bulk, such bagged grain or other cargo shall be supported on platforms laid on the bulk grain and so stowed as to prevent the grain from shifting.

(6) Platforms to consist of thwartship bearers spaced not more than 4 ft. apart and 1 in. boards laid fore and aft spaced not more than 4 in. apart.

(7) Vessels carrying parcels of grain in bulk in the lower holds exceeding one-third of the capacity of such holds must have shifting-boards to the top of the grain, and the bulk grain must be covered with platforms as afore described before any other cargo is stowed over it. When a partially loaded vessel does not carry other cargo to secure the bulk grain shifting-boards must be fitted and the grain be levelled off and covered with a suitable platform, upon which shall be stowed not less than four tiers of bagged grain.

(8) Partially loaded vessels proceeding to another port in New Zealand to pick up additional cargo to be laid on the bulk grain may proceed to such ports without securing the bulk grain as required by the preceding subregulation, provided it is secured to the satisfaction of the Surveyor.

(9) Bagged grain stowed in the lower holds shall be secured by longitudinal shifting-boards to extend from the beams at least 4 ft. down from the lower edge of beams, such shifting-boards to be laid with not more than 4 in. between their edges and to be supported by uprights and shores spaced the same distances as laid down for bulk grain.

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