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out that a bonus offered for the venture might probably meet the exigencies of the case. Later the Master informed me that his inducement in the form of extra pay had not affected the men's decision and that he had therefore decided to discharge them. I consented to this under the usual conditions appertaining to the discharge of men here viz.:- a guarantee that the men's passage to England must be assured, which was done, and the men proceeded home in the German S.S. "Koon" on the 21st July.
The men's wages were paid up to the date of discharge, their expenses whilst waiting in the Sailors' Home from 7th to 21st July, being disbursed out of the same. The Accounts will appear in the Board of Trade Quarterly Account ending 30th September.
I would add that the view I took was upheld by the legal authority of this Colony and also that by letters received from the Master Attendant at Singapore I learn that in a similar case there the Attorney-General ruled that the men could not be compelled to proceed.
In the event of any more vessels arriving here in similar circumstances I submit that I may receive instructions as to what action should be taken.
10th October, 1904.
L. Barnes Lawrence,
Harbour Master, ...