USVI Public Records

Document text

Mails Close for St. Thomas by the Vigilant at 10 a. m. today. i OF THE FOR ST. CROIX (Continued from yesterday’s Avis.) Ist Member for Frederiksted Town (Coulter) left the meeting during the recess. After recess the Council reassemblad and the Chairman remarked: Before recess | asked Members to prepare for the election of Members of the Road Commission. The law provides that half the number of members shall retire at a time, ;but does not say in what way it is to be done. I think that’s up to the Chairman of the Road Commission to draw lots for the retiring members when the time expires and to notify Govern- ment and Government will notify the Council. 4th Member for Frederiksted Conntry District (Fleming) remarked: Mr. Chair- man. Belora proceeding to the election of Members 5/ the Road Commission, I have here a draii of an ordinance which is not on the Order of the Day, and which I would like to bring up at this méeting (copies of the ordinance were shanded to the Chairman). The Chaizman rematked: 4th Member for Frederiksted Country District (Flem- ing) has sent up a draft of an ordinance regarding a scheme of road repair for the Center Line Road. 1 will circulate copies to members; it requiresa three- quarter vote of the Council to further it today. (Accordingly copies of the Ordin- ance were circulated to members). The Chairman put to the voie whether the ordinance should be forwarded today. 11 members voted for; none against. The, Chairman remarked: The neces- tehas been obtained; I will bring tter up as the last item on the the Day. yan then brought up the smbers of the Road Com- aals Tr Vo agmnq SBELS WETe handed in, one was invalid. \ Elected were: G. B. Fleming and F. Andersen with 11 votes respectively, 4th Appointed Member (Blackwood) with 9 votes and M. M. Steoch with 7 votes. Mr. W. H. Fleming received 3 votes, Mr. W. H. Mc Kay, Mr. A. V. Nelthropp and Mr. J. Schuster received 1 vote re- spectively. Item 4. Colonial Council Bill No. 13. Introduction of and Ist Discussion on Colonial Counecil Bill No. 13, intro- e CRIGLE A YiID duced by 3rd Member for Christian- sted Town (Alexander), providing for free pilotage for vessels carrying United . States Mail between Porto Rico and St. Croix, Virgin Islands of the United States. The Bill reads as follows: Colonial Council Bill No. 13. Third Council, First Session 1921—1922. DRAFT OF ORDINANCE to provide free pilotage for vessels carry- ing United States mail between Porto Rico and Saint Croixz, Virgin Islands of United States. Be it enacted by the Colonial Council for St. Croix, 1n sesston as- sembled that: ; 1. _Any vessel engaged lin carry- ing United States Mail, between Porto RIC% and Saint Croix, Virgin Islands of United States, 1s hereby entitlel to free Pilotage into and out of the Harbor of Christiansted, Saint Croix; V. L . 4. This Ordinance becomes ef- fective immediately after it has re- ceived executive sanction. 3. All other laws and ordinances or parts thereof conflicting with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. JOS. ALEXANDER, 3rd Member for Christiansted Town and Suburbs. 3rd Member for Christiansted Town (Alexander) io introducing the ordinance said,—Mr. Chairman. In introducing Colonial Council Bill No. 13 which pro- vides for the free pilotage of vessels carrying United States Mails between Porto Rico and St. Croix, I do not think it pecessary to go into details as the bill is self-explanatory in its tenor; hows ever there are two points that need con- sideration. 1t has occurred twice during this present year that the Schooner ““Mystery’’ had to put into this harbor as she could not go to Frede sted owing to rough seas. As we all know this vessel is not obliged to put into this harbor, but it was done for the convenience of all. The public in gereral are always anxious so receive their mails; the Captain of the “*Mystery’’ put into this port, delivered his mails and left, but.it cost the owners $27.00 each time for pilésage; if the own- ers have to continue to cgay pilotage the Captain may refuse to ebme in this har- bor and the community would suffer a great inconvenience. I see no reason why she Council should not pass this or- dinance considering the island will lose no ravenue by it. . The second point is, sometime to come the Post Office in Washington may in- stall a double service; if that is done, the steamers may have to call at this port, but may not want to do soif the owners will have to pay pilotage. The law is simply to encourage trade and commerce; it does not include har- bor dues, only pilotage; and if passed, it would not be in conflict with anv law. I place the matter before you for con- sideration: I have given you reasons for asking you to consider it favorably. I hope the gentlemen from Frederiksted as well as the gentlemen of Christiansted will view it in its true Jight. 2nd Member for Christiansted Town (Canegata) remarked: Mr. Chairman. I think all that can be said has already been said. 1 only wish to endorse what the 3rd Member for Christiansted Town has said by adding that it will become a matter of precedent if this bill is put into effect as there seems to be no law or ordinance in regard to pilotage; this 1s only trying to make a precedent which has already been established a rule The Chairman put to the vcte whether the Ordinance should be furthered. It was unanimously adopted that the ordinance be furthered. No nne requesting the word further Ist discussion closed. 3rd Member for Christiansted Town (Alexander) proposed, and with Govern- men t and the Council’s corsent 2nd Dis- cussion opened. 3rd Member for Christiansted Town (Alexander) remarked: Mr. Chairman. This bill needs no further introductory re- marks. I have already pointed out the necessity for its passage. Government Secretary (Gaffney) re- marked: Mr. Chairman. The Govern- ment will approve of this bill. particular- ly in view of the fact. that it is so re- striected in its character; it merely in- cludes the question of payment of pilot- age of vessels coming into the harbor from Porto ‘Rico with United States Mails. It was put to the vote and unanimous- ly carried that 2nd Discussion be closed. 2nd Discussion closed. With Government and the Council’s consent 3rd Discussion opened. No one requesting the word, 3rd Dis- cussion closed, the Secretary read the bill and the Chairman put same to the vote. It was unanimously adopted. The Chairman remarked: The bill is adopted ard goes to Government. (To be confinued) Sl sGEL e LOCAL Readers and theatre patrons are re- minded of the continuation of the Van- ishing Dagger this evening in some parts said to be the most thrilling of this stir- ring story of the screen. Splendid rains continue, the last fall