The Commercial Department is called upon to give advice to other departments of the Government on commercial matters ; to prepare statistics on railways, agriculture, emigration and like subjects; to supervise trade accounts and returns, and to see to other matters concerning the commercial welfare of the State.
The Railway Department has among its duties the inspection of railways and tramways, their rates, bye- laws, etc., the granting of compulsory power for the occupation of land for railway purposes, the preparation of provisional orders for the building of new railways or tramways and their introduction into Parliament, besides other similar matters.
The Marine Department is particularly designed to superintend all matters relating to merchant shipping; to provide for the good condition, equipment and management of British merchant ships, survey of passenger steamers, examination of masters and mates, and the establishing of shipping offices for engaging and discharging seamen.
The Harbour Department has the charge of the sea coast belonging to the Crown, and of lighthouses, pilotage, and general harbour business. It is also intrusted with the care of legal standards for the weights and measures used in trade and science.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
The Financial Department is concerned with the Account and control of the money business of the whole office and the administration of funds for the benefit of seamen and their families.
The Fisheries Department has control of salmon and other fisheries under various Acts.
Extra Duties.-
Other duties, in connection with different branches of the administration, are from time to time intrusted to the Board of Trade under special Acts of Parliament.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Such, for instance, are certain powers in relation to joint stock companies under the Companies Act, 1862; the grant of patents for inventions, and the registration of designs and trademarks; the superintendence of affairs relating to bankruptcy, and especially to the realization and management of a bankrupt’s estate, according to the Bankruptcy Acts, 1883 and 1890; etc., etc.