Funds are being collected to preserve more than 470 volumes that shed light on maritime commerce in Malta 300 years ago. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

It will cost €25,000 to stop the deterioration of the first records of Malta’s own maritime tribunal, and businesses are being urged to chip in to save the manuscripts.

“The records shed light on how maritime laws, such as a sailor’s right for a wage after more than 24 hours at sea, were applied in court,” maritime historian Joan Abela told this newspaper.

In one curious case, Margarita Sant files a case against mariner Giuseppe Grech to pay her 62 scudi and give her the remaining unsold silk lace which she had given him before he sailed to Salerno and Naples.

Sant even presented a notarial deed where Grech stated he had received from her a total of 89 scudi and 6 tari worth of black silk lace. The court ruled that Grech should oblige her request within 24 hours.

This is just one case in the Consolato del Mare di Malta records currently housed at the Banca Giuratale in Mdina.

Modelled on Messina’s and Barcelona’s consolato, the Consolato del Mare di Malta was set up by Grand Master Fra’ Ramon Perellos de Rocaful in 1697.

Dr Abela noted that towards the end of the 17th century commercial activity was becoming more complicated and the need was felt for a maritime commercial court to settle disputes and litigations and facilitate trade in Malta, similar to courts in other Mediterranean cities.

The records shed light on how maritime laws were applied in court

The National Archives of Malta holds the records of this consolato from when it started operating, up to the first years of the British rule when it was eventually dissolved.

The records provide a snapshot of business practice such as insurance, freight and trade networks, shipping destinations, navigational techniques and also seamen work conditions and their wages.

There are more than 470 volumes and the collection is in a stable condition but it requires urgent attention. It has been calculated that preserving the manuscripts will take some 80 weeks and cost €25,000.

The process would include superficial cleaning, a condition assessment in preparation for restoration, and protecting the documents with acid-free covers to stop deterioration. More funds will then be needed to restore them.

A group of businessmen have teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce and the National Archives and are urging their peers, especially those within maritime commerce, to raise funds.

National archivist and National Archives CEO Charles Farrugia welcomed the fundraising initiative which fitted well within the archives’ mission to preserve the collective memory of the Maltese.

It also helps to focus on specific collections, as the holdings are extensive. There are 15 kilometres of shelving in three repositories in Mdina, Rabat and Gozo.

“This project is more than a preservation project. It is also another step in our community engagement effort,” he added.

For more information e-mail jes@sullivanshipping.com.mt, bsultanasully@gmail.com, apmamo@gasanmamo.com and rpmiller@tugmalta.com or call 2229 6165.