It shall and may be lawful for the lord warden of the cinque ports for the time being to nominate and appoint, by any instrument or instruments under his hand and seal, three or more substantial persons in each of the cinque ports, two ancient towns, and their members, to adjust and determine any difference relative to salvage (which may arise) between the master of any vessel and the person or persons bringing such cables and anchors ashore; and in case any ship or vessel shall be either forced or cut from her cables and anchors by extremity of weather or by any other accident whatever, and leave the same in any roadstead or other place within the jurisdiction of the cinque ports, two ancient towns, and their members, and the salvage cannot be adjusted between the persons concerned, then the same shall be determined by any three or more of the said persons so to be appointed as aforesaid, within the space of twenty-four hours after such difference shall be referred to them for their determination thereof, any usage or custom to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding: Provided always, that such commissioners shall, immediately after their nomination, proceed to elect some fit and proper person, F1. . . as their secretary or register, except to the port of Dover, where the register for the time being of the Court of Admiralty of the cinque ports shall be the register; and which secretary or register shall enter in a book to be kept for that purpose all the proceedings of such commissioners, and also a copy of the awards which they shall from time to time make; but such election of secretaries or registers shall be subject to the approbation of the lord warden for the time being.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 1 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XVI Group1