The contents of the file cover matters relating to the setup of the Seamen Registration Bureau.
Prior to the set-up of the Registration Bureau, the employment of seamen in Singapore followed the “Ghaut Serang” (licensed Asiatic seamen suppliers) system, which was legislated for under the then Merchant Shipping Ordinance.
The Colonial Secretary proposed the setting up of the Bureau to the Master Attendant as an alternative arrangement in view of the political trends and the probability of Seamen’s Unions calling for the system abolition as the Unions do not view the system to be in the best interest of their members and seamen. The file contains:
- The notes of meetings held between the Seamen’s Unions and the Trade Union Advisor to discuss their concerns and complaints about the “Ghaut Serang” system. - Correspondences between the unions and the Colonial Secretary regarding the Union’s disappointment of the Government delay to Ghuat Serang system - Press statements regarding the Government’s position on the Ghuat Serang system - Principles on the setup of the Instructions for Seamen Registration Bureau and specimens of seamen registration card - The notes of meetings held between the Seamen’s Unions and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce chaired by the Master Attendant to discuss the Seamen Registration Bureau scheme, with the Commissioner for Labour present, with the Union’s comments, counter-proposals to the scheme - Proposed amendments to the Merchant Shipping Ordinances - Note from the Commissioner for Labour summarizing the sequence of events
1947-1948
ML 1224
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