F
501
of the agreements that the men's statement was correct, the Harbour Master endeavoured to persuade them to proceed; 4 men agreed to do so, 26 persisted in their refusal.
The Harbour Master then informed the Master that he could not under the circumstances compel the men to proceed or punish them for not doing so. The Master next telegraphed to the Vessel's Owners for instructions and received a reply in due course that he was to engage legal assistance. This he did and it is understood that Mr. Pollock, K.C., advised that the men should be offered a bonus to proceed failing which they should be left at Hongkong until the vessel's return. The men refused a bonus and the Master by permission of the Harbour Master quartered the men in the Sailors' Home, the Agents for the vessel guaranteeing the payment of the men's expenses at the home pending the return of the vessel when they were to reship. They were still on Articles.
4.
After shipping a Chinese crew the Inkum left for Japan on the 24th July, having been delayed in consequence of the parties concerned not coming to a speedy settlement of the question for 6 days.
She returned to Hongkong on the 27th August, and was put under charter for conveying Chinese coolies to South Africa. On the 3rd September the decision was come to that the British crew were to be sent home as distressed British seamen and the Harbour Master was so instructed. Owing, however, to the Master having been notified that the Owners would not confirm his arrangements with regard to paying for the men at the Sailors' Home, and to the men not having claimed dismissal nor signed off their articles, the Harbour Master arranged