Cowes Letter Collector to Board 1892 - 1902

A partial transcription from the Book held in the National Archives reference CUST61/67

Transcribed entries are in Black, entries in Blue relate to other material included the Book, which has not specifically been transcribed. Uncertain wording is in italics.

Unless otherwise stated the Letters are signed by Collector, Frederick George Taylor until 16 July 1900, Frederick W Wood until 31 August 1902 and A H Drumgoole subsequently.

Many of the early entries relate to the issue of General Transires, permission to trade coastwise between UK ports. These are not in the main detailed individually. The index to the book includes the following vessels which had them renewed between 1892 and 1895:

Arrow, Wave, Orlando, Jubilee, Julia, Despatch, Solent, Iona, Ceres, Carrie, Swift, Diver, Emma, Asteroid, Thetis, George, Cater, Excel, Tally Ho, Harkaway, David, Emily, George Henry, Chance, Traveller, Breeze, Helen & Ernest, Hopewell, Ellen & Sarah, Hardibras, Rose, Vectis, Brambles, Express, Transit, Sarah Ann, Pilot, Jane, Advance, Ellen, Bee, Alfred, Mayflower, John Samuel, Three Sisters, Three Brothers, Lion, Dahlia, Attempt, Patch, Henry & Catherine, Nixen, Silent, Fawn, Mary Ann, Rose, Rochester, Ithuma,

 22 November 1892         I beg to transmit the enclosed application from the master of the “Crescent” of this Port, 40 Tons Register, for permission to load at Yarmouth I W – an unapproved place – a cargo of Red Pottery Ware for export to Guernsey. The vessel has been duly entered outwards, and the loading if sanctioned, will take place without involving any expense whatsoever. (Granted on 25^th November, subject to the Crown being put to no expense.)  

30 November 1892         I beg to enclose the attached applications for the renewal of the General Transires of the Ketches “Arrow” and “Wave” of this Port – to enable them to trade as heretofore between Cowes, Southampton and Portsmouth. As the Owners and Master are reported to be trustworthy, and as the Coasting Regulations have been duly observed, I submit that the renewal may be granted for twelve months, subject to the usual conditions.

2 January 1893              I beg to report that William Augustine Shea, Boatman, who was placed on probation for six months at the Port of Plymouth on 1^st July last – Boards Papers 14487/1892 – and was transferred to this Port by Boards Order 22966/1892 has now completed his term of probation.

The Collector at Plymouth reported to me when Shea left that port for Cowes, that his conduct and health had been highly satisfactory; and I beg to report that Shea’s conduct and health has been equally satisfactory while at this Port and I consider him fully qualified for admission to the Establishment. (Shea was admitted on the 9^th January.)

20 February 1893           I beg to submit, for favourable consideration, the enclosed application of Mr Hoad, Clerk 2^nd Class and Examining Officer at this Port – Mr Hoad asks that the Special Allowance of £20 per annum which he receives as Second Officer at this Port, may – now that the salary of the Collector is £300 – be increased to £50 – thus equalising the Allowance with that at present received by other Second Officers at Ports in the £300 class.

Mr Hoad was promoted to this Port from Dover by B.O. dated 15 August 1891 and his conduct and capability while here have been so entirely satisfactory, that, should your Honors be pleased to increase the Special Allowance of the Second Officer at this Port to £50, Mr Hoad is, in my opinion, thoroughly deserving of the increased allowance.

The work here being of a very varied nature, a Second Officer with varied experience is absolutely necessary. Mr Hoad not only possess such experience, but he is an Officer in every sense reliable. Being a Clerk and Examining Officer at this Port, he performs the whole of the Warehousing work – both practical at the Bonds and clerical at the Custom House; he holds an appointment as Deputy Receiver of Wreck, and in the performance of wreck work generally, is of valuable assistance to me as Receiver; and in the Mercantile Marine work, which at times is very onerous, owing to the immense number of yachts which frequent this Port, he also lends valuable aid, engaging and discharging Crews of vessels &c. as well as assisting in the miscellaneous Board of Trade work of the Port.

Mr Hoad’s Age, Service, Salary and conduct are as follows:

Age:     30¹¹/₁₂ years                   Service: 12⁴/₁₂ years

Salary:  £170, and £20 as Second Officer

Character:         ‘A’

1 May 1893                   Frederick George Taylor, Collector and Surveyor has requested leave of absence from his duties for Ten days from the 8^th instant. I submit that Mr P Hoad, Clerk and Examining Officer, may act as Collector and Mr W T Stokes, Preventive Officer, as Second Officer during my absence. I have not been absent during the current year, and my work is free from arrears. (Leave of Absence was granted, and arrangements approved.)    

12 May 1893                 With reference to that part of the enclosed Bill that relates to the proposed extension of the Pier at Sandown, I beg to state that the Customs officials here have not at present any occasion to make use of Sandown Pier; still it is for consideration whether, as necessity may at some time arise, the privilege of exemption from toll accorded under Paragraph 17 to the Board of Trade Officer should not also be extended to Officers of this Department. (Signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector.) 

11 May 1893                 Letter from Mrs Potter to the Secretary of Customs “The enclosed telegram is from the Steward Brassey’s yacht the “Sunbeam” now at Cowes and refers to a goat Lord Brassey took out with him when he sailed from Cowes for Spain last month. The yacht now having returned to England it is desired to land the goat and send it to Lord Brassey’s home in Sussex. Will you kindly cause the necessary authority for this purpose to be sent to Cowes. If it could be addressed to Mr Pratt, ℅ Lord Brassey’s yacht, Sunbeam, Cowes it would be a convenient arrangement.” This was forwarded to the Board of Agriculture.

12 May 1893                 Telegram from A C Cope, Chief Inspector Board of Agriculture to the Secretary of Customs “Board of Agriculture don’t object to the landing of a goat at Cowes from Lord Brassey’s yacht the Sunbeam” This was repeated to the Collector at Cowes.

26 May 1893                 The Second Officer (Mr Hoad, Clerk & Examining Officer) has a Quarantine Commission – which might prove useful is case of emergency – but the Commission asked for Caws, the senior Boatman, was to allow him – when boarding vessels in the Roads from foreign – to perform Quarantine in the absence on leave &c. of the Preventive Officer. 

Mr Hoad’s duties in the Custom House and the Bonded Warehouses do not allow his acting in this capacity. (A Commission was granted on the 31^st May.)

23 May 1893                 I beg to transmit the enclosed particulars of the seizure this morning of Cigars (3¾ lbs) on board the Trinity Vessel “Irene” s/s @ Guernsey.

No owner can be found for the goods. The store room where were concealed is more or less open to the whole crew – only two of the upper berths being used as sleeping berths – the other berths (including that under the bottom boards of which the Cigars were found) being used for stores &c.

The vessel was not detained. In my opinion no responsible Officer is implicated. (The Collector was instructed by the Board to write to Trinity House reporting the facts of the seizure, and that in the opinion of the Collector at Cowes no responsible Officer was implicated in the transaction.)

3 July 1893                    I beg to enclose the attached application from the Secretary of the “Bournemouth, Swanage and Poole Steam Packet Company Ltd.” Requesting permission for the Paddle Steamer “Windsor Castle” of Poole, 397 Tons Net, to make a day excursion on Monday the 10^th instant to Cherbourg and back from Ventnor – an unapproved place – about 16 miles distant from Cowes. So far as I can discover, no similar application have ever been transmitted from this Port.

The vessel is a large one and as the operation of clearing her outwards for Cherbourg (including the taking account of the whole of the duty-paid stores on board prior to sailing) is necessarily a lengthy one – the steamer having two bars, beside a store room with Wine and Spirit Bins – the Secretary requests that the vessel may before leaving Poole – be cleared Outward at that Port from Cherbourg (via Ventnor) so as to avoid the of having to be at Ventnor, for this purpose, a couple of hours or more before the advertised time of sailing.

I would submit this proceeding for your Honors’ approval as the Officers from Cowes would require to Ventnor overnight on Sunday should their services be required there as early as 6 o’clock on Monday morning in order to clear the vessel Outwards. Should your Honors sanction this, I would further submit that the clearing Officers at Poole put the account of the duty-paid Stores on board the steamer at the time of clearing Outwards in a sealed cover, to be left on board the vessel in the custody of the Master, and to be by him delivered to the Cowes Officers, who will be in attendance at Ventnor to clear the vessel Inwards on her return from Cherbourg. (This was granted as submitted with all expenses to be defrayed by the applicants.)

9 July 1893                    I beg to report the arrival at this Port last night, from Rio Janeiro, of the steam Yacht “St George” of Cowes, E J Wythes Esq. Owner – and of the detention of the Vessel by me, pending your Honors’ directions, under the following circumstances.

Upon investigation it was discovered that one of the ladies on board had developed Yellow Fever 4 days before the Vessel left Rio Janeiro, and had been ill on board with the disease for nearly three weeks during the homeward voyage, that the Chief Steward had died on the homeward voyage after a weeks illness, and had been buried at sea, and further that at the time of the Vessels arrival in Cowes Roadstead the Quartermaster was laying on board ill with the Fever.

I thereupon caused to be Medically inspected and beg to submit herewith Dr Hoffmeister’s Report.

The fact of the lady passenger having been ill with Yellow Fever on the homeward voyage is confirmed, the Chief Steward is reported to have died from double pneumonia on July 2^nd having been ill for a week, viz from June 25^th, and the Quartermaster is reported to be at present on board with Typhoid Fever, having been ill 10 days, viz. from June 28^th. The Vessel put into the Azores on the way home, but was placed in Quarantine immediately, and not allowed any communication with the shore.

I submit my proceedings for your Honors approval and await your Honors directions with regard to the release of the vessel from Quarantine. I will at once give notice to the Local Authorities of the infectious diseases on board.

8 July 1893        Report of Doctor Hoffmeister.

By order of Customs I boarded the “St George” RYS soon after arrival in Cowes Roads on the evening of July 8^th 1893. I found the Quartermaster suffering from Fever, probably Typhoid Fever and ascertained from the Ships Surgeon that he had been ill 10 days, suffering from Fever.

The Ships Surgeon gave the following listing crew of 46 excluding the Owner, Surgeon, 4 Guests and Ladies Maid. The yacht left Rio de Janeiro on May 30^th ult, and on May 26^th (4 days before leaving Rio) a lady on board developed Yellow Fever and she was quite convalescent on June 16^th ult – i.e. in 3 weeks. All precautionary measures were taken as to isolation, disinfection and the like. I have seen the lady in question and she is now quite well.

On June 25^th the Chief Steward, at 31 years, developed double pneumonia, and died on board on July 2^nd at Fayal (The Azores) where the yacht had been lying a week in quarantine. The body was buried at sea the next morning and lastly there is the case of the Quartermaster above attended to. There have been no other cases of sickness of any kind on board,

10 July 1893      Report of Doctor Hoffmeister.

By order of Customs I visited yacht again to-day, and find that I was altogether misinformed by the Ship Surgeon as to the history of the Quartermaster’s illness. It is quite impossible for him to be in the 3^rd week of Typhoid (or Gastric Fever) as certified by the Surgeon – I much regret I was misled.

It appears that about Sunday Fortnight (June 25^th last) about the time of the arrival at Fayal, he was seized with vomiting and diarrhoea, supposedly caused by tinned lobster, and he was in his bunk for 3 days under Doctor. He then returned to duty, and did not again consult the Surgeon till last Thursday (July 6^th) who found him suffering from the symptoms of what he calls Gastric Fever. I have seen him on 3 successive days viz: July 8, 9 &10, and find he is suffering from symptoms of a slight fever, temp. 100, pulse 100, some slight abdominal tenderness, but no spots, no metearism, and no diarrhoea, with face slightly jaundiced but no albumen in urine.

From the previous history on board I strongly advise that the yacht should be kept in Quarantine for another 24 hours at least. Unfortunately, the sick sailor has a whiff of the same as the lady on board had, and which the Ship Surgeon certified to be Yellow Fever.

11 July 1893             Your Reports re yacht “St George”. Privy Council direct that as the bedding of the lady has not been disinfected the yacht must be sent to Motherbank to be disinfected, written instructions to that effect being given by you to the Master and telegram sent by you to the Superintendent Motherbank also if Quartermaster is suffering from Yellow Fever yacht must be detained at Motherbank until further orders and the sick man sent to Menelaus Hospital Ship. In that case Medical Attendance must be provided. Portsmouth is being informed.

12 July 1893  Telegram from the Collector.

Yacht “St George” going to Motherbank for disinfection, but we now have a further report from the Quarantine Medical Officer declaring that the Quartermaster’s illness is a case of simple fever only, not infectious and not Yellow Fever. Owner and friends on board desire to know by wire the probable number of days they will be kept there under these circumstances. No other sickness on board.

12 July 1893      [Following the receipt of your Telegram] I at once proceeded to the yacht with the Quarantine Medical Officer, and communicated its contents to the Owner. By his instruction he bedding and clothing of Miss Jennett were at once destroyed by burning in the furnace of the Engine Room, in the presence of the Quarantine Medical Officer, who reported to me thereafter that he had seen it destroyed and was perfectly satisfied. The yacht was thereupon released and telegrams countermanding previous instructions were at once sent by me to the Superintendent of Quarantine at Motherbank and the Collector of Customs at Portsmouth.

8 August 1893               I beg to submit the enclosed account in duplicate amounting to £5 – 5 due to Dr William Hoffmeister, for visits paid to the yacht “St George” which arrived here from Rio de Janeiro on the 8^th ultimo, having had Yellow Fever on board during the Homeward voyage, and a case of suspicious illness on board at the time of arrival in Cowes Roadstead.

The Fees charged by Dr Hoffmeister are at the rate approved by your Honors’ Minute of 14^th November 1878 and I beg to request authority for the payment of his account. (Approval for payment of the account was given on the 12^th August.)

29 August 1893             I beg to report that for a long time prior to Mr Frasers recent inspection of this Port, I have invariably sent round to the Watch House for a Boatman to come up to the Custom House and stay in the Office while I went to the Warehouses as Surveyor. If a Boatman had not been available, I have in consequence not gone to the Warehouse, but have remained in Custom House myself until the return of the Clerk and Examining Officer and the O.D. Officer. I am quite unable to remember when the door of the Custom House was last locked, and no one left in charge during Office hours. I have discontinued such a practice from the first, and it is certainly many months since such has been done, and I can assure you that it shall never happen again.

The addition of a Boy Messenger to the Establishment here would not, in my opinion, serve any useful purpose, as no employment could be found for him. The practice of getting a Boatman from the Watch House to stay in the Custom House whenever I require to go to the Warehouses as the Surveyor answers very well indeed on the whole – although occasionally, of course, when the Waterguard staff are very busy, a man is not available, and it is at such times that my visits to the Warehouses as Surveyor are not so frequent. I was quite under the impression that I explained our present practice to Mr Fraser on his recent inspection of this Port, especially the fact that the door of the Custom House is never locked during Office hours and I much regret that Mr Fraser left with the impression that this undesirable practice still continued. I have now given explicit instructions to the Preventive Officer in charge of the Waterguard staff to use every effort to leave a Boatman at the Watch House whenever he possibly can manage to do so – so that he may be available to come round to the Custom House when required – and I have every reason to believe that this plan, which we have for some time tried with success, will work even still better in the future, and that the full duties of the Port may thereby we carried out effectively without any addition to the Establishment. 

29 August 1893             In reply to the latter part your Honors’ Order dated 28^th August, I beg to report that a Preferable Extraman was first added to the Establishment of this Port by B.O. No. 24 dated 21^st October 1875, and that such and Officer has been regularly and consecutively employed ever since. I would further add that a Preferable Extraman was included in the staff adjusted and mentioned by B.O. 25401 dated 2^nd November 1891.

There are only 4 Boatmen on the Establishment here – and they make a Boat’s Crew – but inasmuch as each Officer in turn keeps watch all night – being relieved at 8 am the next morning for 24 hours – the regular employment of a Preferable Extraman is absolutely necessary in order to secure the Boat’s Crew of 4 Officers every day for Waterguard Duty. This plan has worked very well for very many years, and it is, I submit, a very suitable arrangement for this Port. (The Board replied that in the discontinuance of the present Preferable Extraman consideration should be given to the appointment of an additional Established Officer in his place.)

12 December 1893         With reference to your letter of yesterday’s date I beg to report that I have had a personal interview with the Chief Officer of Police at this Port, who readily consented o give immediate intimation to the Collector in the event of an Officer of this Department, whether uniformed or not, being taken in charge by the Police for any Offence.

2 February 1894            In reply to the Secretary’s letter of the 31^st ult. – I beg to report that I have ascertained the views of each of the Officers at this Port at this Port of the rank referred to viz: 1 Outdoor Officer (1^st Class) and 4 Boatmen and they unanimously desire to dissent from the proposed establishment of a system by which they would receive their pay weekly, instead of monthly as at present.

10 May 1894                 I have to request that two Blue Ensigns – one 15 feet and the other 9 feet may be supplied for the use at the Boarding Station at this Port. They are required to replace those of a similar description but now quite worn out supplied in 1890.

21 May 1894                 I beg to enclose an application from Messrs. Hansen & Sons who propose to import three cargoes of granite siftings from Guernsey in the Ketch “Crescent” of Cowes 40 tons register, and request that the discharge may take place at their own premise, Minerva Yard, East Cowes.

As there is no place in East Cowes possessing the privilege of a Sufferance Wharf, and no expense will be incurred in the supervision of the discharge, I submit that the application may be granted. (The application was approved. This was signed by Percy Hoad, Acting Collector.)

21 May 1894                 I beg to enclose the report of a seizure of 4 lb Cavendish Tobacco found yesterday by a Boatman W G Caws from the American steam yacht “Ellen May” from Vigo. The contraband which was owned by the Steward, John Brown, was carefully concealed in the main saloon in the springs of a sofa, the canvas underneath which had been removed for the purpose and replaced as before.

The yacht is a small one, and carries only one Steward, but having regard to the nature of the transaction and the responsibility of the offender I have ordered the detention of the vessel pending your Honors instructions. The Master is not making any application for her release as he expects to be remaining in the port for some weeks.

The offender has been released on making deposit of £3 – 18 – 0 treble value and duty on the goods. (This was signed by Percy Hoad, Acting Collector. Seizure was confirmed, the deposit brought to account and the vessel released on payment of £1.)

9 June 1894                   I beg to return herewith the two copies of the Forms received, which I have duly completed. A fairly intensive Coasting Trade in General Cargo is carried on between the mainland and Ryde, and Customs Arrival and Sailing Books are kept by the Coast Guard officers there. By Boards Order on Papers 20161/1892 the Collector at Cowes visits Ryde once a quarter for the purpose of conferring with the Chief Officer of Coast Guard, and Revenue purposes generally. (This related to the renewal of the Lease for Ryde Coast Guard station. The Board subsequently wrote stating that they did not recommend the withdrawal of the station.)

30 July 1894      From the Board (Confidential)

Letter from the German Embassy, London, 23 July 1894, to the Foreign Office stating “On Sunday the 5^th August in the course of the Morning his Majesty [the German Emperor] will leave for Cowes on board his Majesty’s Yacht “Hobenzollern” and accompanied by his Majesty’s Ship “Prinzes Wilhelm”. On Monday the 6^th of August his Majesty proposes to arrive at Cowes and will reside on board the Imperial Yacht as long as he remains there. The following gentlemen will be in attendance on his majesty the Emperor and King viz.

1)         His Excellency Count Eubenburg, Controller of the Household

2)         His Excellency Lieutenant General and adjudicate General von Plessen

3)         Rear Admiral and Admiral à la suite Baron von Senden Bibram

4)         Colonel von Scholl, Aide de Camp

5)         Lieutenant Colonel von Arnim, Aide de Camp

6)         Major Count von Metke, Aide de Camp

7)         Surgeon General Dr. Leutholdt

8)         Captain of Corvette Seigel

9)         A Representative of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

All due respect to be observed in the Examination of any baggage landed from the “Hobenzollern

Further letter from the Foreign Office stating that “a note has been received from the German Charge d’ Affairs stating that the “Stosch” has been ordered to lie of Cowes for about a week from the 4^th August and that the “Princess Wilhelm” will escort the Royal Yacht “Hobenzollern” from Wilhelmhaven to Cowes.

28 August 1894             With reference to Honors Minute of 27^th February last, granting – for a term of 6 months – general authority to the Collector at this Port to allow small vessels to load pottery at S Yarmouth for Guernsey – and directing a report to be made at the end of that period stating proceedings under that authority.

I beg to report that the pottery trade between S Yarmouth and the Channel Island still continues, and is likely to do so. During the past 6 months (but actually 4 months only as no shipments took place for 2 months subsequent to your Honors Minute) six cargoes – as per statement enclosed – were loaded at S Yarmouth for Guernsey, and, under the above General Authority, I have granted Masters of the Vessels permission to load there without troubling your Honors with each individual application.

As before reported by me, no expense issues to the Crown in these cases, and I therefore submit that – on written application to the Collector in each case, and on condition that no expense of any kind is incurred – the Collector at this Port may be granted General Authority to allow such loadings to take place in the future. (The Collector was given the authority.)

29 October 1894            The circumstances of the illegal landing at unauthorized places in this Island, of persons with baggage from Foreign, have been repeatedly reported to your Honors by my predecessors here. The last case is in Papers 12922/1892, when your Honors ordered that the Collector was to request the Inspecting Commander of Coastguard to caution the Boatmen at Ventnor as to the illegality of the practice – and this caution, I am led to believe had a very good effect.

When the notice as to Quarantine and Health requirements was issued by your Honors in June, 1893, a copy thereof was sent by this Officer to each Coastguard Station in the Island, but as some doubt appeared to exist among certain of the Coastguard Officers as to its precise application, I shortly after thereafter supplemented it with certain Instructions in the form of a Notice headed “Landing from Vessels Inward bound from Foreign Ports” (Copy Enclosed [not included in book]) which I prepared and forwarded to such of the Coastguard Officers as required further as to the authorized Boarding Stations in the Island &c. &c. This Notice (referred to by the Ventnor Boatman Thomas Wheeler in his letter to your Honors) was issued, therefore, more than 18 months ago; and since that time I have had no cases of illegal landing of baggage to report to your Honors.

On the 4^th inst., however, I received a Telegram followed by a letter from the Coastguard at Ventnor, informing me that a Pilot had been landed by a Shore Boat from a passing Vessel “Belfast” – bound from Hamburg to Calcutta – and that the man was being sent to Cowes in the charge of a Coastguard Officer so that his baggage might be examined. The letter further informed me that the Boat that went off and brought the man and his baggage ashore, had, in the meantime, been detained. The baggage in this case was found to be only a small hand bag, however, and it was therefore returned to the man after examination and not detained, and the Shore Boat was ordered to be delivered up to the Owner who, however, was warned as to his future conduct in such matters, seeing that, had the man landed with a larger amount of baggage than he happened to have on this occasion, the baggage would have been detained as well as the Boat, and the matter reported to your Honors.

As the owner of the Boat pleaded ignorance of the Law, I instructed the Chief Officer of Coastguard at Ventnor to again draw the attention of all Boatmen in his district to the Notice on the subject already issued; and so that the plea of ignorance might not again be put forward, I headed a sheet of paper on the subject (this time using the words “Inward or Outward bound from a Foreign Port” instead of merely “Inward bound from a Foreign Port” as in the Notices previously issued) and quoting the portion of Sec. 9 of 44 Vic Cap 12, which referred to the liability of the Boat to forfeiture if illegally employed. This sheet of regulations I instructed the Coastguard Officer to take with him when again informing the several Boatmen of the illegality of the practice and to ask each man – merely as an acknowledgement that he had been duly informed – to annex his signature thereto, so the Coastguard Officers may at any time thereafter be able to refer to it, and at once see who had been acknowledged being so informed. Very few felt inclined to sign, however, and so the sheet was abandoned, but the boatmen were duly informed all the same, and their attention was once more drawn to the illegality of the practice, and of its consequences although not the slightest attempt was made to extract a promise from any man.

This sheet is presumably the “another circular” that the Boatman Wheeler – but it was simply for the guidance and information of the local Coastguard Officers, and I fail to see how it could possibly be against “the interests” of the local Boatmen at Ventnor, as stated – unless indeed they are in the habit of acting illegally – simply to acknowledge that they have been informed what the Law and Regulations are.

The Boatman Wheeler makes much in his letter to your Honors of Vessels Outward bound – such as in the case of this vessel “Belfast” – but, as will be observed, the Vessel was Outward bound from Hamburg to Calcutta, and therefore any person landing baggage therefrom had to be treated precisely the same way as if the Vessel were Inward bound from Hamburg to this country.

The statement in the Boatman’s letter “instead of being searched as usual by the Coastguard on landing” is simply not true. No Coastguard Officer on this Island is ever allowed, in any circumstances, to examine baggage, and any baggage that may have been illegally landed at any time, has, I find on reference to the records here, invariable been sent accompanied by a Coastguard Officer – to Cowes for examination by the Customs Officer here.

I am quite at a loss to see in what manner I have exceeded my duties, as suggested by the Boatman in his letter.

8 November 1894     From the Board

 ….. The Board consider that it would have been better for the Collector to have abstained from issuing Notices to the Boatmen through the Coastguard, at any rate without previous consultation with the Board, and they think it would be advisable to withdraw the copies which he has so issued …... The Board see no reason whatever for forbidding the Coastguard force to examine and pass the baggage of persons, Pilots landing or who may land, at parts of the Island at which Customs Officers are not available, provided always that there are grounds for suspicion or difficulty; and the vessels from which the Pilots or other persons may have landed have not come from countries liable to Quarantine.

For this purpose it will be for the Collector to give an intimation in general terms to the Chief Officers of Coastguard of the descriptions of goods which are liable to duty on Importation emphasizing Tobacco and Spirits, and requesting them to communicate promptly with the Collector at Cowes by telegraph, in the event of any such goods coming under their observation in any Baggage presented to them for examination.

Write to the applicant explaining a vessel outward bound from a Foreign port to another Foreign port is, if she calls at, or off, a place in the United Kingdom, in the prosecution of her journey, in exactly the same position as a vessel which calls at, or off, a place in the United Kingdom, on her way from a Foreign to a British Port, and that therefore, in the case under notice, of the landing of a Pilot from a vessel on her way from Hamburg to Calcutta, and restriction on such kind of landing would be equally applicable.

22 April 1895                 I beg to enclose reports of 5 separate and distinct Seizures made by the Waterguard Officers at this Port between 8 and 10 pm on the 20^th inst. on board the Sailing Yacht “Britannia” O.N. 99900 – 115 Net Tons – from Gibraltar.

In every case the Owner deposited treble duty – paid value of the goods seized – their requests so to do being also enclosed.

The 2^nd Mate of the Vessel being implicated, the yacht was at one placed under detention, but released by me on a deposit of £5, regarding which amount, as well as the deposits made by the Offenders, I await your Honors’ instructions. (No further details of the Seizures are given.  The goods were retained, and the Offenders deposits confirmed as fines. The deposit of £5 on the yacht was returned and Collector told “that it would have been as well if he had stated that the “Britannia” Yacht was the property of the Prince of Wales”.)

6 July 1895                    In pursuance of directions contained in the Secretary’s letter dated 4^th inst., I beg to report that the Outdoor Officer has hitherto been employed on Sundays for the purpose of conveying the Official Letters to the Collector and also giving attendance at the Watch House for rowing duty should such be required of him.

Arrangements have now been made for these duties being performed in future by a Boatman so that no claim for the 1/- Sunday pay will be raised from this Port at all. (Signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector.)

8 July 1895                    In pursuance of the directions contained in your Letter dated 5^th inst., I beg to report that I have made inquiries with reference to the hiring of a small steam launch, but none of the owners here of steam launches would undertake to let one on occasional days in stormy weather only during the yachting season. It is at this season of the year that such launches are in greatest request here, and it would not be easy just now to hire a small launch at all, most of them already being let for the next six weeks, the lowest rate for a 20 ft steam launch being about £10 per week (including driver). (Signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector.)

24 July 1895                  I have to report that John H Legg, Permanent Labourer of this Port, who has been absent by sickness since June 8^th died last evening.

I beg at the same time to draw your attention of your Honors to your Order on Papers 17514/1893 to this Port, suggesting the possible filling of the vacancy by an Established Boatman. (Signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector.)

19 September 1895                    Seizures on “Krienhilda” @ Cherbourg

Seizure No. 7/1895        1 lb Cavendish Tobacco concealed on the person of Mr Greet, A B, Treble value and duty (19/6) deposited.

Seizure No. 8/1895        1 lb Cavendish Tobacco concealed behind lamps in Forecastle, Treble value and duty (19/6) deposited. (No name given.)

21 November 1895         With reference to the Bonded Warehouse “No. 4” at this Port, Messrs. Mew, Langton & Co – the Proprietors and sole occupiers – have, in accordance with the directions contained in your General Order 49/1895 (which required them to supply Weighing apparatus to the above Warehouse) caused to be erected therein a very superior Platform Weighing machine, to weigh up to 1 Ton. On being called upon, however, to supply a sufficient number of standard weights, so that the correctness of the machine to its full capacity (1 Ton) might be tested, they have forwarded to me the enclosed letter, which I beg to transmit.

So far as I can learn, there has never been an operation of any kind in the said Warehouse, and there is no Vat there, and as Messrs. Mew, Langton, & Co have never been known to rack a Cask in the Warehouse, there is, in my opinion, very little likelihood that the machine will ever be used.

Their request to be informed, therefore, of the minimum number of standard weights that your Honors will, under the circumstances, be pleased to sanction for the above Weighing machine. (The Board replied that they would not require weights to test the machine, but the question was to be brought forward when the machine required testing.)

20 December 1895         I have to report a breach of the Law on the part of Henry Caws, licensed Pilot of this Port, in failing to bring up the Norwegian Schooner “Huseland” at the Boarding Station on her arrival from Soderheim as required by the Act 46 & 47 Vic Ch 55.

The vessel arrived in Cowes Roads – the Boarding Station for the Port – at 12.15 yesterday afternoon and the Pilot Caws went off and took charge, but instead of waiting to be visited by the boarding Officers, brought the vessel in almost immediately and proceeded up the river.

He makes no plea of ignorance as to his duty, but would have it appear from his explanation enclosed that he supposed permission had been given to him by signal to proceed. I may state that the requirement of the Law as to vessels bringing up at the Boarding Station is never departed from here; that I am satisfied he did not act under a misunderstanding as to signal given; and even if he had expected the permission as he state, it is clear that he anticipated it, as during the half hour the Boatman on watch was away summoning the Preventive Officer, the vessel had been brought in and was abrest of the Watch House on her way up the river. (Signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector. The Board ordered that the Pilot be cautioned against similar disregard of the Law.)

15 January 1896            In my opinion there is nothing whatever in the enclosed “Brading Harbour and Railway Bill” that will be detrimental to the interests of this Department, the interests of the Revenue being, in my opinion, well and sufficiently guarded by the Coast Guard Detachment stationed at Bembridge, quite near to Brading.

There were former papers on the “Brading Harbour Improvement Works Bill” which was reported by the Collector at this Port on 27^th February 1874.

15 January 1896            In my opinion there is nothing whatever in the enclosed “Cowes Harbour Bill” that will be detrimental to the interests of this Department, the interests of the Revenue being, in my opinion well and sufficiently guarded by the Customs Officers at this Port.

11 March 1896               I beg to report that W A Shea, Boatman at this Port, met with an accident on the 12^th ultimo, by which his left leg was broken.

To-day, twenty-four working days will have elapsed since the commencement of his sick leave on account of the accident; and Shea still being unable to resume duty, I beg to transmit herewith his application for further sick leave of one month, accompanied by a medical certificate. (24 days sick leave granted, a further 24 days on 11 April and a further 18 days on 9 May.)

8 May 1896                   In accordance with you Honors minute of the 11^th July last year, directing that the subject of the hire of a Small Steam Launch at this Port during the Yachting season to be brought forward for consideration early in May of the current year, I beg to say that I have during the past 3 or 4 weeks made enquiries with the view of the hire of such a launch during the coming yachting season, and I am pleased to be able to report that I have obtained the offer of a Small Steam Launch which will, I consider, meet the requirements of the Port during the unusually busy period, should your Honors be pleased to sanction its hire.

On 8^th July last year the Acting Collector here reported that it was then too late to obtain a Steam Launch, as most of them were, by that time, let for the season; and that the lowest rate at which one could be obtained was £10 per week including driver. This is invariably the case her during the months of July, August and September and, as regards the rate, I may mention that the small Launch of which we have the offer at present was let during a short period of last year at the rate of £15 per week, and for several consecutive weeks at the rate of £10 per week.

The Launch in question is 25 ft. long – 6 ft beam – High Pressure Engine, with 2 Cylinders, the Boiler being new last year. It is the property of Mr G H Marvin, Yacht Builder at this Port, who would agree to let the same to your Honors for our use for 3 months (July, August and September) at the rate of £6 per week, including driver. He says we should be sure to require it during the 2 busiest months of the year, and further states that he could not possibly charge less that £8 per week (including driver) for a 2 month hire. This, your Honors will observe, comes to very little less than hiring her for 3 months as first suggested. A small Steam Launch has now become an absolutely necessity during the busy Yachting season, as the number of Yachts that bring up in Cowes Roads is increasing every year. We have but one Boat Crew, and seeing we have a large and exposed Roadstead, 2½ miles from East to West, it is often a matter of considerable difficulty for a rowing Boat, even with 4 men pulling, to make much headway, owing to the strong tides in the Solent. All this was fully explained to the Deputy Chairman when he visited the Port last year, and when the necessity for a small Steam Launch was first suggested.

Mr Marvin has asked me to request your Honors may be pleased to let him have a reply as soon as possible, as there will soon arise a demand for the hire of Steam Launches for the coming season, and he naturally wishes to know if his terms are accepted by your Honors, so that he may reserve the Launch in question for our use in July, August and September as suggested. (The offer was accepted after consultation with the Superintending Engineer of Shipping and the Solicitor.)

18 August 1896  Extract from Report of Mr Churchill, Surveyor General

The Boatmen waited upon me with a grievance which they desired should be brought to the Notice of the Board. They complained that under ordinary circumstances they had only one Sunday off duty every 5 weeks, and that was often denied when one of their number was absent on leave. I submit that the Collector may be authorized to employ an Extraman on Sundays when any Boatmen is absent by leave or sickness. By this means the employment of the 5 Boatmen will be arranged as follows:

1   Boatman of duty for the clear Sunday

1   Boatman on watch duty until 8 am and then off duty for the day

1   Boatman to relieve the preceding man on watch for 24 hours

2   Boatmen to attend at 8 am, but to go off duty when not required & to remain at home at call should their attendance be required during the Sunday.

This is the nearest approach to the spirit of the Board’s Order and Paper 14492/1892 which is practicable at this Port.

29 August 1896             Seizure on “Dee” @ Guernsey via London.

Seizure 1/1896 – 2½ lb Cavendish Tobacco concealed by H Acourt AB. Treble value & duty £2 – 8 – 9 deposited. (Seizure confirmed and deposit retained as fine.)

2 October 1896              By your Order of the 14^th August last your Honors were pleased to modify the then existing practice at this Port under Order of the 15^th June 1881 (by which yachts from Foreign were allowed to “bring to” off Ryde, there to be cleared by Officers from Cowes summoned by Telegram to proceed from here for that purpose) as to hand over to the Superintendent of Quarantine at Motherbank – during the continuance of the Quarantine Establishment there – the duties hitherto performed by Officers sent from this Port.

As the Public Health Act 1896 will shortly come into force, however, and the Quarantine Establishment at Motherbank cease to exist, I venture to submit to your Honors whether this is not the most suitable occasion in every way, to altogether rescind the old Order of 1881 before referred to – and for your Honors to order that, for the future, all vessels arriving in this country from Foreign, and ultimately desiring to proceed to Ryde, should, in the first instance, be obliged, as was the invariable practice before 1881, to proceed to a proper Boarding Station for clearance, for instance, as when coming into the Solent from the Westward to stop in Cowes Roads, and be cleared here before proceeding to Ryde; or, when coming from the Eastward to proceed direct to Portsmouth, and be cleared there before crossing to Ryde.

This privilege of “bringing up” off Ryde is sometimes abused by Vessels bound Inwards from Foreign Ports in a manner which, I feel, was never anticipated at the time it was granted in 1881. For instance, on almost the last two occasions when yachts at Ryde were dealt with by officers sent from Cowes – viz. on August 3^rd and August 15^th – the yachts passed Westwards right through Cowes Roads, in full view of our own Boarding Staff, and proceeded to Ryde.

The consequence was, of course, that in about an hour, a Telegram was received in each instance requesting Office from Cowes to come through to Ryde and clear the vessels, and which duty – on each occasion – took the officers here nearly 10 times as long as they would of occupied had the yacht “brought up” in Cowes Roads for a short time, and been cleared here, before passing on to Ryde. I feel sure that such an abuse (for I can call it nothing else) of the privilege granted in 1881, was never contemplated at that time; and I therefore respectfully submit that, as the yachts from Foreign which bring up at Ryde are comparatively few, and of small tonnage, that the privilege granted in 1881 – should on this most suitable occasion, now cease, and that, for the future, Vessels desiring to go to Ryde should first bring up and be cleared in the usual manner at an approved Boarding Station – either Cowes or Portsmouth, or at any Port which may be found most convenient.

There will be no expense of any kind connected with the proposal I now submit and all Revenue interests will, in my opinion, be well and sufficiently guarded by the Coast Guard officers stationed at Ryde, one of whom is almost constantly on duty on Ryde Pier Head. (The Treasury approved the abolition of the Quarantine Station, but it continued for a period whilst alternative arrangements were considered, including the establishment of an additional boarding crew.)

7 October 1896    Extract from Report by Collector Portsmouth.

I consider the plan suggested by the Collector at Cowes unworkable.

For the past 15 years yachts have been allowed to “bring to” off Ryde, and to now insist they should first go into either Cowes or Portsmouth would be looked upon as a very great hardship, and assuredly would lead to endless complaints.

8 February 1897 The telescope in constant use at the watch House here is a very god one indeed, by “Dolland” – and from 20 to 30 years old I am told – but it is at present very badly in need of repair. The sighting tube is now quite worn out, and requires renewing, the screws are defective, the lenses require repolishing &c., and the leather covering is very warn and dirty, and requires replacing – I have obtained an Estimate from a local Optician here of great experience, who informs me that such a good telescope is rarely met with now – a – days, and that, in his opinion, we would derive more benefit from this old “Dolland” repaired, than we would even from a new Telescope of recent manufacture. The Estimate (including covering with leather) is 30/-, and submit Mr Benzie’s offer, which, in my opinion, is reasonable, may be accepted, and that the Telescope may be handed to him for thorough repair. (This was accepted.)

2 April 1897                   I beg leave to transmit an application from the Agent for the Ketch “Genesta”, of Harwich, 99 Tons Register, for permission to load at St Helens, I W, an unapproved place, a cargo of Old Iron for Turnenzen.

I cannot trace a similar application to load for Foreign at St Helens, but the loading, if sanctioned, will take place under the supervision of the Coast Guard Officers stationed there, and no expense whatever will be incurred. (Application was allowed.)

3 April 1897                   I beg leave to forward herewith an application from Messrs. Pickford & Co. – General Carriers – and who have recently purchased the “Thetis Wharf” at this Port, requesting your Honors’ sanction to a Bond being entered into them in similar terms to the old Bond for the same sufferance Wharf executed by the then Proprietors on the 13^th September 1878, which I enclose.

There is only one “Legal Quay” at this Port, and but one “Sufferance Wharf” – and it is the latter that Messrs. Pickford & Co. have purchased. In the return for this Port of “All Landing Places for Foreign Goods”, called for by your Honors Letter of 17^th November 1887, No. 16396/1887, I find that opposite this approved sufferance Wharf the Collector submitted that “ Approval should not be withdrawn because there is only one other approved place at Cowes” and for the same reason I would submit that its approval as a Sufferance Wharf may still be continued.

By the Boards Order No. 10 dated 7^th August 1878 you Honors approved of the said Wharf “as a Sufferance Wharf for the landing of Free Goods in Bulk, and the shipment of British Goods not entitled to drawback.” But Messrs Pickford & Co in their letter desire that this privilege may be extended to that of the landing of Free Goods in packages as well as in bulk, seeing that so much of their business is connected with household removals &c.

To this I have no objection whatever to offer; and as the firm of Pickford & Co. is so well known, I have every confidence in submitting their request for your Honors favourable consideration.

9 April 1897                          The Board continued the concession to the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen vessel “Euston” to sell Tobacco to Fishermen engaged in the Deep Sea Fishery subject to a limit of ¼ per man per week.

6 May 1897   Seizures Yacht “Venetia” @ Gibraltar

1/1897 – 4 lbs Cavendish Tobacco – concealed by Anson Burden, A B. Treble value & duty (£3 – 18/-) deposited.

2/1897 – 1 lb. 4 oz. Cigars – concealed by T W Gladsby, A B. Treble value & duty (£2 – 16/3) deposited.

(The seizures were confirmed and deposits brought to account as fines.)

19 May 1897                         The Board of Agriculture informed the Collectors at Cowes and Portsmouth that they did not object to the landing at Osborne I W of 2 Oxen for the use of H M the Queen.

26 May 1897                 Last year your Honors were pleased to sanction the hire of a small Steam Launch for use at this Port during the three busiest months of the yachting season. The hired launch was found of such very great service, and gave such satisfaction, that I beg leave to request that we may, this year, be allowed the same privilege.

As I reported to your Honors in May last year, a small Steam Launch has now become an absolute necessity here during the busy season, as a Boat’s Crew cannot possibly undertake the work now that the number of Yachts that bring up in the open Roadstead of Cowes continues so very large.

Since last year I have seen, and carefully examined, a small Steam Launch that I consider would suit our purpose better than the one we had last year; and the price asked for the hire of the same is exactly what was then paid, I beg to submit particulars thereof for your Honors consideration. It is a “White’s Patent Life-Boat Steam Launch”, 25 feet long – 6 feet beam – High Pressure Engines, by Bellis & Co. of Birmingham, fitted with Silent Exhaust, and with a perfectly new compound Multitubular Boiler, with Metal tubes. The Launch, moreover, has a Hood for use in stormy weather, and as it is a Life-Boat Launch it is, of course, much safer in an open Roadstead. The Owner thereof is Mr G H Page, of Cowes, who is willing to let the said Launch to your Honors for a period of 3 consecutive months – with a crew of two capable men – Engine-driver and Steersman – all Coals, Oils and other requisites to be supplied by him, and all risks to be accepted by him for £9 per week.

These are precisely the same conditions, and the amount exactly the same, that was paid for the hired Launch last year – and as the present Launch is, in my opinion, a much superior Boat in many ways, I consider the terms now offered very reasonable, and such as I can with confidence, submit for your Honors acceptance before the Launch is taken up by others.

Last year we had the Launch for 3 months, of 13 weeks, commencing 1^st July – but as this year we expect to be more than usually busy before the end of June, on account of the large number of Yachts expected for the Naval Review &c., I would submit that the hire this year, if sanctioned, by your Honors, may commence on the 14^th Jun, and may continue 13 weeks therefrom – thus making the period of hire a fortnight earlier than last season.

Mr Page is ready to reduce his offer to writing should your Honors sanction the hire of his Launch, as submitted and has asked me to request that he may be informed thereof as early as possible, as the letting season has just commenced, and there is much demand for this class of Launch. (The hire was provisionally accepted subject to the approval of the Treasury, and formally sanctioned on the 10^th June.)

9 August 1897  Seizure ex yacht “Valhalla” @ Havre

Seizure 3/1897 – 1¼ lb F M Cigars concealed by C Short, Owners Servant. Treble value & duty (£2 – 16 – 3) deposited. (Seizure confirmed and deposit brought to account as a Fine.)

25 October 1897            In reply to your Circular Letter of the 21^st inst. I beg leave to report that there is no Boatman at this Port who has attained the age of 50 years.

5 January 1898              The Office Surveyor, London having stated that an application to your Honors is necessary before a “Flogger” can be supplied to this Port, for use in the Queen’s Warehouse, I beg to report one is absolutely necessary there, and to request that one may be supplied for the following reasons.

We have several Casks of Wine (Wrecked Goods) in the Queen’s Warehouse, and another similar cask has been washed up and is being brought in to-day. There is, however, no means whatever for dealing with such Casks, as be have no “Flogger”. Besides, much inconvenience is often caused by want of a “Flogger” when Casks of Wine and Spirits are brought ashore and placed in the Queen’s Warehouse for examination. This is a frequent occurrence at this Port during the Yachting season.

I may say that a “Flogger” may not be obtained locally, but they can be obtained, I understand, from Messrs. Loftus, London. (One was supplied from stock.)

8 June 1898                   For the past two years your Honors have been pleased to sanction at this Port a small Steam Launch, for use by the Boarding Staff during the busiest months of the Yachting season.

The number of Yachts that bring up every season in the Roadstead at Cowes still continues very large and the Launch becomes more and more indispensable every year as the work as the work entailed is now quite beyond the capability of a boats crew in a simple Rowing Boat. The Launch that we had last season from Mr. G H Page is still at your Honors’ service for this year, and on precisely the same conditions – although it has been substantially improved by him, and new engines put into her at a cost of about £50 since she was laid up last autumn. She is a most desirous launch in every way, and Mr Page is willing to let the said Launch to your Honors for a period of 3 consecutive months – with a crew of 2 capable men (Engineer and Steersman), all Coal, Oil and other requisites to be supplied by him, and all risks to be accepted by him, for £9 per week. These are precisely the same conditions, and the same amount per week that has been paid by us for the past 2 seasons; and in my opinion, seeing the Launch has been so much improved, this is the best offer, at the price, that may be had.

Undated June 1898        From the Superintending Engineer of Shipping to the Board, Royal Arsenal, copied to Collector Cowes.

With reference to your communication dated the 7^th inst. authorizing me to have the Launches “Norah” and “Portland” towed to the respective stations to which they have been allotted, I beg to state that the Launch “Norah” left Queenstown at 3 am on Thursday last, the 16^th inst. and reached Weymouth at 8 pm on Friday the 17^th inst. and the “Portland” left Weymouth on Saturday morning the 18^th and reached Portsmouth at 6 pm the same day.

The “Norah” was handed over to the Collector at Weymouth, with whom I am in communication regarding an early test of the boiler, so that the Launch may be got ready for use forthwith.

In the matter of the Launch “Portland”, I shall be glad of the Boards early instructions as to whom the vessel is to be handed over; in the meantime it is safely moored at the yard of Mr F J Crampton, Portsmouth, and in order that it may present a somewhat smart appearance for service at Cowes, I am (in anticipation of the Boards approval) having it painted and varnished externally, and a few minor repairs carried out as recommended in my report to the Board dated 30^th March last. 

9 July 1898                    I beg to report that the Steam Launch “Portland” which under your Orders of the 7^th inst. has been assigned to this Port for temporary service during the busiest months of the Yachting season has now arrived here in tow from Portsmouth, the Engineer has also, as reported by me yesterday, been admitted to duty.

When in service at Portland the crew consisted of a “mate in charge” and one deck hand, in addition to the engineer, and I beg to be favoured with your Honors’ instructions as to whether a couple of Extramen may be engaged locally to fill these offices on the same conditions respectively as to pay & hours as were applicable at Weymouth. (The letter was signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector.)

24 August 1898 From F J Parsons, Boatman to the Board

I most respectfully beg to place before your Honors, a brief statement of my service in the Customs, and to ask that your Honors after consideration of the same, may grant me permission to sit at the next examination for Preventive Officerships.

I entered the Customs Service the 27^th of October 1885, as a Boatman at this Port and have continued doing duty here ever since. From the beginning of 1886 and until January 1892, I was employed in the Long Room, also rendering assistance to the Mercantile Marine Office, and Locking at the various Warehouses in the Port, owing to the Out Door Officer (since superannuated) being considered by the Collector unsuited to the work.

I have also from time to time, with other Officers, proceeded to various wrecks on the coast of the Isle of Wight, in order to guard the Revenue against risk with regard to the Cargo and may mention one notable instance viz:- that of the North German Lloyd Steamer “Spree” which occurred on 19^th December 1895.

I have also assisted in making several important seizures and was the actual Seizing Officer in the following large seizures viz:-

91 lbs Tobacco & Cigars (Yacht “Amethyst”) 14^th Sept. 1889

10 lbs Tobacco (Yacht “Cinderella”) 11^th March 1890

27½ lbs Tobacco & Cigars (Yacht “Heloise”) (at Ryde) 7^th Sept. 1890

During the whole of my 13 years service I have continuously endeavoured, not only to perform efficiently all my regular duties, but also to qualify myself for a higher appointment, and I shall be grateful if your Honors will allow me, on the next available occasion, to submit myself to a test of my fitness for promotion to the rank of Preventive Officer.

13 September 1898        Seizure “Joyeuse” S/Yacht from Boulogne

Seizure 1/1898              4 oz Cigars

                                    8 oz Cavendish Tobacco

                                    8 oz O.S Tobacco

Concealed by A Cloke, A B, Treble value and duty (£1 – 7 – 6) taken.

(Seizure confirmed and Deposit brought to account as Fine.)

20 September 1898        It is the first time that we – at Cowes – have had a Launch of this description, as we have, in years past, received your Honors authority to engage – locally – a small Launch, about 25 ft. long which answered the requirements of this Port excellently, and in every way was more suitable that the Launch “Portland”, which was assigned for our use this season. The “Portland” has proved much too large and cumbersome for Cowes – where the work of the Waterguard is almost exclusively confined to Yachts. Her dimensions are 41 ft. long and 9½ ft. beam; and she further proved so unreliable (her steering gear breaking down completely on one occasion) that no owners of Yachts cared for her to come alongside, for fear of the damage she might cause. The consequence, therefore, was that the Waterguard Officers were compelled to tow their own rowing boat astern – stop the Launch when within 20 yards or so of the Yacht about to be visited – and then, after getting into their own boat, to row to the Yacht, and vice versa.

8 March 1899                The staff at this Port have remained the same for many years past; and as the accommodation provided suitable in every respect, I would submit that it is not desirable to make any alteration whatsoever to the existing arrangements. (The Collector was subsequently informed by the Board that it was not proposed to make any staff changes at Cowes.

27 March 1899                I beg to submit application from Mr Frank Tims – Manager to the Isle of Wight Ice Company – for permission to discharge a cargo of ice from Christiania – at St Helens Quay – a place not approved for the discharge of Cargoes from Foreign.

Having regard to the nature of the Cargo, and the Port whence arrived, I have allowed the discharge to proceed – subject to your Honors approval – as the matter was urgent. The Master has duly reported his vessel here, and the cargo has been entered, and as the discharge will take place under the supervision of the Coast Guard Officers stationed there, the Crown will not be put to any expense. The last similar application approved by your Honors on Papers 9992/1896. (This was approved.)

18 May 1899                 Seizure on Yawl – Yacht “White Heather

A Seizure of 2 lb of F U Cavendish Tobacco was made on board the above Yacht this morning from the Master. Treble value and duty has been deposited by him – and as it was the Master who was implicated the Yacht was placed under detention, but was released on deposit of £5 – regarding which, as well as the treble duty-paid value deposited, I beg to request your Honors’ instructions. (The seizure was confirmed, and the deposit on the good brought to account as a fine. 10/- of the deposit on the yacht was also retained as a fine.)

23 May 1899                 I beg leave to submit for your Honors directions the enclosed communications I have received from the Secretary to the Corporation of Trinity House respecting the 5% Commission (£12 – 6/4) deducted from the Light Dues collected at this Port during the month of April, and which was duly brought to account as an “Extra Receipt” in aid of the Customs Vote by Entry No. 5 on the 29^th Ultimo – this 5% Commission on Trinity House Light Dues has been allowed to the Collector at this Port for more than 40 years (B.O. No.60 – 2^nd June, 1855) but was surrendered by me at the commencement of the current calendar year, such commission to the Collector at this Port on the Dues in question having been – since that date – appropriated instead in aid of the Customs Vote, and regularly brought to account every month in accordance with your Honors Order of 10^th March 1899. No question has been raised by the Trinity House Corporation as to the Commission deducted for the months of January, February and March, although such were deducted as usual, and brought to account as “Extra Receipts” in aid of the Customs Vote, the concluding paragraph of your Honors Order before referred to, reading thus:- “All receipts under the heads named in subsections (a) and (b) of paragraph 4 of G O 78/1898 for services rendered subsequent to 31^st December 1898, are to be brought to account as “Extra Receipts” in aid of the Customs Vote.

In reply the Board asked for the Collectors observation about an apparent discrepancy as  the Commission for April was £12 – 6/4, and that for the whole of the year ending March 1898 was £6 – 10 – 10.

26 May 1899                 The Light Dues now chargeable on all Yachts registered at the Port – at the rate of “one shilling per ton per annum”, and which only came into force on the 1^st April last – is responsible for the large increase in the amount of Light Dues collected during the month of April, 1899 – viz: £246 – 7 – 7, instead of £8 – 1 – 5 collected in April 1898. We have also collected £100 for the month of May in the same manner, but Yachts will not pay again until April next year, so that except during the month of April and May every year the Receipts will not, I should imagine, be more than usual.

The 5% Commission to which the Trinity House Corporation, had, until 1^st January last, invariably formed part of the “Emoluments” of the Collector at this Port, and that is the reason that the same rate of Commission was deducted and brought to account for the month of April (as had been done for the previous months of January, February and March) as an “Extra Receipts” in aid of the Customs Vote. The principal adopted was precisely the same as usual, although the amount of the Commission for the particular month of April happened to be larger. (It appears that the Collector was advised to remit the full amount to Trinity House.)

4 June 1899       Ryde & Seaview Light Railway Order

I have no observations to make on the above mention Draft Order. So far as I can see there is nothing therein that will affect the interests of this Department.

28 June 1899                 The season has again come round when it is customary to apply to your Honors for authority to employ a small Steam Launch for use in the open Roadstead of Cowes during the 2 or 3 busiest months of the Yachting season – July to September – During the years 1896 and 1897 your Honors sanctioned the hire of at this Port of a suitable Launch for the work, but last year the s/Launch “Portland” was sent here from Weymouth. This Vessel, however, was by no means a success here amongst Yachts, being far too large and cumbersome for such work – besides proving unreliable.

A decked, or at least partially-decked Launch is what is required here, as an opened decked Launch or Boat would be swamped in the exposed Roadstead.

I beg leave to ask therefore whether your Honors will authorise me to look around the Port for such a Launch as we require for the work, and to submit terms &c. to your Honors (I almost think that the Launch we had in 1897, and which proved so suitable, could be obtained at present) – or whether your Honors desire to make other arrangements.

A Launch is now an absolute necessity during the period mentioned, as we find that the number of Yachts coming into Cowes is increasing each season.

30 June 1899     A request was sent to the Board by the Sandown Pier Company for permission to run an excursion from Sandown to Cherbourg. This was sent to the Collector.

I have today received the enclose Letter (No. 2) re this Excursion. It is not until the 7^th July, and I therefore beg a reference to Papers 8986/1897, regarding a similar Excursion “India” to Cherbourg and back to Shanklin, and the report of the Collector Portsmouth thereon, and to submit that this case also “Cambrian” to Cherbourg and back to Sandown, I W, may be dealt with in the same manner (Sandown being nearer Ryde than Shanklin is) viz: by the Boatman in charge at Ryde Pier Head. Cowes is very awkwardly situated with regard to Train Services to other parts of the Island, whereas Ryde is comparatively near Sandown, & has a frequent Train Service – as stated by the Collector Portsmouth in his Report in the Papers referred to.

Besides which, we are extremely busy here with Yachts at the present time, and could ill spare our only Preventive Officer all night at Sandown, which would be the case were he to attend for this Excursion, as the last Train to Cowes is at 8.20 pm. (The Board approved this and stated that the only charge would be for the Overtime attendance of the Officer from Ryde and his fare from Ryde to Sandown (single).

30 June 1899                 Seizure on board s/Yacht “Catania”

A Seizure of 1½ lbs of Cavendish Tobacco and 1 lb Cigars was made on board this s/Yacht last evening from Alfred Brixton, the Chief Steward. Treble value and duty has been deposited him, and as it was the Chief Steward who was implicated, the Yacht was placed under detention. It was released, however, on deposit of £10 – regarding which, as well as the Treble duty paid value deposited, I beg to request your Honors instructions. (The seizure was confirmed and the deposit on the goods brought to account. The deposit on the Vessel was returned.)

14 July 1899      From the Collector, Portsmouth

I have conferred with the Collector, Cowes as to the suitability of the oil Motor Launch for the work at that Port during the rush of the Yachting season, i.e. from the latter part of this month to the middle of September – and have made enquiries of Pilots and others as to the strength of the tides and the weight of the sea in Cowes Roads during that period.

I gather that the tide varies from 3 to 4½ Knots on Spring tides, and that with any force of wind from the West of North West a nasty sea prevails.

The Launch would, in my opinion, suffice for the work during fine or moderate weather, but being an open boat of low power and speed, would not, I fear, be of much use in the Roadstead in rough weather.

Should the Board decide upon sending her to Cowes, I should require permission to employ two Extramen to enable the four oared Boat to be manned.

22 July 1899                  The only tender I have been able to obtain is that of Mr G H Page – which I enclose. It is for the same Steam Launch that we hired in 1897, and on precisely the same terms, viz: £9 per week, inclusive, which I consider very reasonable indeed. As we shall be unable at this late period of the season to use her for more than 2 months (instead of 3 months as previously) the expense of hire will therefore be considerably reduced. A full description of the Launch appears in my Report No. 32 and Papers7120/1897 and as she is in every way very suitable for the work, I beg to request that your Honors may sanction her hire at this Port for the ensuing two months.

As we are at present in the height of our busy season, may I request that your Honors may acquaint me by wire early on Monday morning, if we may accept Mr Page’s Tender provisionally – as we really require her for immediate use; and perhaps before Treasury sanction may be obtained, the extremely busy 1^st week in August, when she is so much in request may have gone. Your Honors accepted Mt Page’s Tender provisionally in1897 – and the Treasury sanction does not appear to have been received until nearly a fortnight later. (Treasury sanction was received on the 28^th July. It is not clear whether the Launch was in use before this date.)

6 October 1899              I have only just returned to duty after leave of absence, and hasten to express my regret that one Extraman was – quite accidentally employed for more than 20 days during the month of August last. The 23 days in the month that he was employed were not consecutive, however, there being two breaks during that period of his employment, and I am afraid it was this that led us to think more of the 25 days without a break, than of the 20 days in any one calendar month.

An Extraman is only very casually employed at this Port, the previous month of July shewing only 8 days of such employment.

I shall take care that such an oversight shall not occur again, and I trust, therefore, that under the circumstances your Honors sanction may, in this case, be granted for the 3 days. (Percy Hoad, Acting Collector had previously sent a holding reply in the absence of the Collector and preventive Officer on leave.)

5 January 1900              In reply to the printed letter of the 30^th ultimo – I beg to report that I have this day seen Messrs. W & E Hoffmeister, Physicians & Surgeons at Cowes and they beg to decline the duty of examining candidates for service in this Department for the Fee of 5/- per candidate.

They inform me that to perform the duty conscientiously requires at least an hour for which they consider 5/- quite insufficient. The Form of Medical Report, and the Memorandum which her handed to Messrs. Hoffmeister are herewith returned.

29 May 1900     Report by W T Stokes, Preventive Officer to the Collector

I beg to report that the American Yacht “Arcturus” arrived here on the 3^rd inst. from Gibraltar, and was boarded by me. In reply to the usual questions the Captain stated that, with the exception of cold, they had been, and were, “all well”, and had no sickness to report. Such being the case, as directed by G O 63/1896 – par. 10, in my opinion there was nothing “to call for the intervention of the Port Medical Officer of Health” and the vessel was duly cleared. When we were leaving, this man Long came to the Master, and in my presence asked if he could go ashore, Cowes being his home, and the yacht about to proceed to Southampton. The captain, not having a boat down, asked if I would oblige him and Long by giving him a passage ashore. Long, as far as I could see, was not ill, he came down into the boat himself, he had his bag, and landed from the boat without assistance. The reason he had a cab, I have since learned, was to take his bag and clothes home; he was not in his bunk, but was about the deck. The Captain has written to the Clerk of the Port Sanitary Authority stating “he did not know Long was suffering from anything but a cold, which several of the had, coming from the Mediterranean into a colder temperature.” Had I in the least been suspicious the man was suffering from illness of any sort, I would have sent for the Port Medical Officer, as we always do, and forbidden the man to land; the man was given passage in our boat out of pure kindness.

29 May 1900                 I beg to enclose herewith a Report, in full, by the Preventive Officer (Mr Stokes), who was the Boarding Officer in the case in question, and who, I consider, acted, under the circumstances, in strict accordance with the regulations. In my opinion the Master of the Yacht (whom I have seen and interrogated) was not guilty of telling any untruth when he informed the Boarding Officer that to the best of his knowledge and belief there was no sickness on board. Several of the crew (including the man landed) had suffered somewhat from colds during the voyage home, and this fact the Master stated to the Boarding Officer, who, acting under the discretionary power allowed him by par. 10 of G O 63/1896, did not consider this such as to call for the intervention of the Port Medical Officer.

The act of kindness in giving the member of the Yacht’s crew a passage ashore, when the Yacht’s boat was not available, is referred to by the Clerk to the Authority is in far too severe terms, in my opinion. The Yacht was on her way to Southampton, and as this particular member of the crew happened to reside in Cowes, he naturally wanted to get home as soon as possible – not because he felt ill, but because of the saving of time, and the expense of the passage back again to Cowes in the packet boat from Southampton.

I have seen all the Boatmen, who formed the Boat’s Crew on the occasion in question, and they one and all agree in stating, so far as they were able to judge, the man who came ashore was not ill at all.

I have this morning seen the seaman, Long, myself. He was sitting up, and fully dressed, and had been so, he said, every day for fully a week. His medical attendant informed me that he had but a mild attack, and was now quite convalescent.

I also saw the Clerk to the Port Sanitary Authority, who informed me that after the receipt by him of the Master’s explanation – which the Authority called upon him to make to them – (referred to by the Preventive Officer in his report), the Sanitary Authority decided they had no evidence on which to conduct a successful prosecution, and the question of prosecution has therefore been abandoned by them. In my opinion, therefore, no further steps should be taken by this Department. Vigorous steps have always been taken by us to prevent the landing of any person suffering from, or suspected to be suffering from illness of any kind. Indeed, this being a Yachting Port, we are very particular indeed on the question; and as far as the Waterguard staff here is concerned, and its efficiency for satisfactorily dealing with all questions of Health, I have pleasure in reporting thereon in most favourable terms. (This appears to have resulted from a complaint from the Port Sanitary Authority that a man suffering from Typhoid Fever was brought ashore by Customs. The Board replied that they did not think it necessary to make any observations on the case.)

28 June 1900                 In the past four years your Honors have been pleased to allow the use of a small Steam Launch at this port during the summer so that the Waterguard staff may successfully cope with the very considerable number of Yachts that, in the busiest months of the Yachting season bring up here in the open Roadstead – the strong run of the tide and the length of the Boarding station viz: 2½ miles in length rendering the work as such times beyond the capability of a crew in a rowing Boat. In the years 1896 and 1897 we hired a Launch, in 1898 the service Launch, Portland was sent here for our use and in 1899 we again hired a Launch. These hired Launches have invariably proved the most convenient for service amongst the Yachts, being smaller and much handier than the Portland was. As the Yachting season has again come round, I crave your Honors sanction to the hire of a small Launch this year, not for the three months as previously, but for a shorter period of 9 weeks viz; from the 9^th July to the 9^th September covering the busiest period of the year.

We have the offer this season of a particularly good one which I am sure will meet our requirements admirably. It is owned by Mr Rice of Southampton, is 24 ft long, 6 feet beam and fitted with compound Engines and Vertical Boiler. Mr Rice is willing to let this Launch to your Honors for the period of 9 consecutive weeks before mentioned, with a crew of 2 competent men (viz: Engine Driver and Steersman), provide all coal, oil and other requisites and take all risks for an inclusive charge of £10 per week. This is a slightly higher rate than has been paid in previous years (in 1897 the charge was £9 per week for 13 weeks) but in view of the present high price of fuel and the great demand there is for handy steam Launches at this time of year I consider the terms are reasonable and such as I can recommend for acceptance. Indeed I cannot at present learn of any equally suitable launch that we should be able to hire hereabouts were we to lose the opportunity of securing this one, I therefore beg to submit that Mr Rice’s offer be accepted and would ask that, if your Honors sanction is granted, I may be able to acquaint Mr Rice as early as possible. (The Letter was signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector, the hire was agreed.)

21 July 1900                  I beg to report that in accordance with B O dated 10^th inst. No. 9791/1900 I have this day taken upon myself the duties of Collector and Surveyor at this Port and have endorsed my Commission accordingly. (The new Collector was Frederick W Wood, who had transferred from a similar position at Londonderry.)

10 August 1900 From the Foreign Office, through the Board.

Possible visit to the Isle of Wight of Their Imperial & Royal Highnesses the Archduke Carl Stephen and the Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria (travelling under the name Count & Countess Sagbusch) in their yacht “Waterers”, end of August or beginning of September. (The Board instructed the Collector that “the usual respect is to be observed in the treatment of the baggage of Their Imperial Highnesses on arrival in this country”.)

25 August 1900                   Seizure 1/1900 was made on board the steam yacht “Cassandra” from Cherbourg. 1 lb Cavendish Tobacco concealed by Andrew Davies, 2^nd Cook. Treble value and duty (19/-) were deposited. Goods were retained as a seizure, and the deposit brought to account as a fine. 

22 January 1901            The steam Yacht “Firefly” has not been to Cowes for some years, and I can obtain no information about her recent employment or present ownership.

The Boarding, Revenue and Health duties in connection with all yachts or other vessels lying a Spithead or in the neighbourhood of Ryde are, by Board’s Order dated 14 Aug: 11719/1896 and 16^th October: 13436/1896; undertaken by the Customs stationed at Ryde Pier Head acting under the direction of the Collector at Portsmouth, who is making enquiries for further report to your Honours. (This was in a reply to a request for information about the vessel as it was suspected of carrying arms for the Carlists in Spain.)

25 January 1901            So far as this Department is concerned there does not appear to anything objectionable, or calling for observation, in the Bill annexed to these papers.

By Clause 2, Customs Officers on duty are exempted from Ferry Tolls. (Although not mentioned this presumably relates to Cowes Harbour.)

22 February 1901           In accordance with your Circular Letter 14/1901, dated the 21^st inst., I am this day forwarding to you a package containing two seals (one of them being of silver), and three stamps.

22 February 1901           In reply to your letter of yesterday’s date, relating to the proposed employment of two Naval Pensioners in place of Boatmen at this Port (Sec. 14483/1900), I beg to inform you that the approximate annual cost for Overtime and Sunday Pay for each Pensioner so employed would be as follows:

            For Overtime                  Nil

            For Sunday Pay             £7 – 7 – 0         

The Boatmen (5) at this Port obtain only one Sunday in five entirely clear off duty, so that to maintain this arrangement which was approved by B O dated 18 September 13049/1896, the Pensioner Watchers would each be on duty, approximately, 42 Sundays in the year.

4 May 1901           Seizure 1/1901 was made from the yacht “Monsoon” from Boulogne. No further information given.

15 May 1901                 In pursuance of the practice followed for the last five years, I beg to ask your sanction for the hire of a Steam launch for the use of the waterguard staff here in dealing with the pressure of work from yachts in these waters during the summer months; the conditions of work are such as have been reported in previous years.

I enclose an offer from a first class local firm (Messrs. J Samuel White & Company Limited) of a very excellent liquid fuel launch suitable, I believe, in every way for our requirements, and on terms similar to those which have met with acceptance before, viz £10 per week for 9 weeks from 24^th June inclusive, they provided for the sum named a steersman, a driver and fuel and stores for the launch, and taking all navigation risks.

The offer in my opinion is a very satisfactory one, and I beg to recommend it to your Honors for acceptance. (Letter was signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector. Offer was accepted.)

20 May 1901                 In reply to the Secretary’s letter No. 11259 / 17.5.01, I beg to report that an Officer provided here by the Crown as a Custom House; it is held by the Office of Works on a lease renewed, I believe, in 1899, the exact conditions of which are not communicated to this Port, but could be ascertained from the Office of Works. There is no Officer resident on the premises, and they consist of:

On the 1^st floor (above the Post Office)    

            Collectors Office

            Collector’s retiring room

            Long Room

            Mercantile Marine Office

            Book & Form Room: & W.C.

In the basement

King’s Warehouse: & Coal Store

(Letter was signed by P Hoad, Acting Collector.)

9 July 1901                    In accordance with the direction contained in your letter dated 8^th inst., I beg to return herewith the old Writ of Assistance, the new Writ for use at this Port having this day being duly received.

11 June 1901                       Approval was given for day excursion steamer “Balmoral” (or any other steamer) to land passengers and baggage (hand baggage) at Yarmouth on its return from the Southampton to Cherbourg (via Bournemouth). 

17 February 1902           I beg to transmit for your Honours favourable consideration, an application from Mr J Richie, Clerk of the 2^nd Class Upper Section, at this Port, for appointment as Clerk-in-Charge at the Port of Brixham upon the occurrence of a vacancy in that Office. Mr Richie formerly served under me at Lowestoft, and I have greatest satisfaction in stating that I have always found him a most reliable officer, with a sound knowledge of the duties appertaining both to Customs and the Board of Trade. He is of good address, and has much tact in dealing with the Public. It is therefore with every confidence that I can recommend him for the post to which he seeks appointment.

15 April 1902                 In the annexed letter the French Consular Agent at Cowes, on behalf of the Owner of the French fishing brig “Russie”, wrecked at Niton, Isle of Wight, abandons all claim to the dutiable ship’s stores which were salved from the vessel and suggests that they might be destroyed.

The goods in question were gauged by me on the 10^th inst., and consist of 4 Quarter Casks Brandy containing 82.3 proof gallons and 12 Casks Claret containing 356 gallons, both the Brandy and Claret being of a very inferior quality. These were put up for sale by Public Auction, with the remainder of property salved from the vessel, on the 11^th inst., but no offer was obtained, and the Consular Agent has used every effort since to sell them privately without success,

The goods are at present in the custody of the Coast Guard, and as they are not worth the duty I submit, as suggested by the French Consular agent, that they may be destroyed where they now lie, either under the supervision of the Coast Guard or of an Officer sent from Cowes, as their removal to the King’s Warehouse here would entail considerable expense without any hope of ultimate sale.

As the good are lying in an out of the way place. I request that I may be instructed as to their disposal at the earliest possible moment. (The Collector was instructed to destroy the goods under proper supervision, which was subsequently certified.)

22 May 1902                 With reference to the Boards Order dated yesterday transferring Albert J H Titheridge, Boatman at this Port, to Portsmouth, I beg to forward a letter from Titheridge requesting that this may be cancelled.

On the occasion of the last inspection of the Port by Mr Robson, Surveyor General, Titheridge made a verbal request for transfer to Portsmouth, and he was distinctly told by the Surveyor General that this could only be allowed at his own expense, but Titheridge says he never understood this or he at once would have withdrawn the request.

I am satisfied that his statement that he cannot afford the expense is quite true, as he has had a good deal of domestic trouble, and under the circumstances I submit that the Order for transfer may be cancelled. (This was accepted, and he remained at Cowes until 1911 when he was promoted to Preventive Officer, London.)

23 May 1902                 In accordance with the practice which has been followed for some years now at this Port, I have to request your Honours sanction for the hire of a small launch for the use of the Waterguard staff to enable them to cope with the work consequent upon the numerous yachts which bring up in the Roadstead during the Months of June, July and August. The launch hired last year was from Messrs J S White & Co, and as it gave every satisfaction I wrote to the firm asking whether they would be willing to supply one this year on the same conditions, but it will be seen from their reply that they want £15 per week as against £10 last year, giving as the chief reason for the advance in price that this class of vessel is in great demand in consequence of the forthcoming Naval review. I have, however, obtained a quote from Saunder’s Patent Launch Building Syndicate, Limited, agreeing to let an Electric Launch (28 feet long) for 9 weeks from 16^th June to 17^th August inclusive at £10 per week, this including a competent man to work the boat, free charging, and all navigation risks. These terms are, I consider, very fair; and as the launch is suitable in every way I submit that the offer may be accepted. In view of the present demand for small launches, Messrs Saunders request that they may be informed of your Honours decision as early as possible. (Hire of the launch was sanctioned by the Treasury.)

1 September 1902              Alfred H Drumgoole, Collector and Surveyor, Blyth was admitted as Collector and Surveyor, Cowes with the security of £1000. The former Collector and Surveyor transferred to Collector and Surveyor, Exeter.

19 September 1902        The enclosed telegraphic report from the Chief Officer of Coast Guard at Bembridge of the landing within his guards on the 14^th instant, of three aliens (supposedly Belgian) stowaways from the British Steamer “Saint Nicholas” on passage from Antwerp to New York, is, with other correspondence, submitted for your Honours directions. I beg that I may receive your Honours instructions as to whether the Master of the “Saint Nicholas” has rendered himself liable to proceedings under Sections 590 and 51 of the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876, or Sec. 5 of the Act 46 and 47 of Vic. Ch.55. (The Board, on Solicitors advice, informed the Collector that no action was to be taken.)

26 September 1902        I submit for your Honours directions the enclosed letter from Mr F H Davenport, an Inspector of the Board of Agriculture, whose Department is taking proceedings against Mr Russell King for the illegal landing of a dog ex yacht “Grace Darling” in May last. The offence alleged against Mr King was committed at Southampton, but the yacht had immediately before, touched at this port and Mr Stokes, Preventive Officer here, is in the position to offer evidence material to the purpose of the prosecution. (The Board allowed attendance.) 

1902 - 1905

Cowes Customs Records