37.
pay sheet, so much for each man, and I bring the total amount to the Shipping office.
Q. Who actually puts the money into the hands of each man?
A. Mr. Guterres, I sit at the table with him.
Q. Why do you attend personally to see the crew paid?
A. It is the custom throughout the world in the mercantile marine.
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Mr. Sercombe Smith: They all do it?
A. Yes.
Mr. Thomson: Besides that you give a separate order to the men to draw pay?
A. No, I see them go up and receive the money.
Q. You are there to identify them?
A. Yes.
Dr. Atkinson: You don't give an account of wages?
A. Yes, They present that to Mr. Guterres.
Mr. Thomson: Then you give that order what is the necessity of your attending at the office?
A. I believe according to the Merchant Shipping Act we have to attend to our crew properly paid off everywhere. I have always done it in England, New Zealand and elsewhere. Unless that were done a different man might get the sheet and draw the money.
Mr. Horott: If a man happens to be a little late and go up with his account of wages, would that not be entertained on presentation to Mr. Guterres? Would not the officer pay it?
A. He might, but it would be a great risk because anybody could get hold of it.
Q. But is it not an order for wages?
A. I do not take it as an order altogether.
Q. You expect the Shipping Office to cash your wages accounts when they are presented. As a rule you are there when the majority are presented. Supposing one was not presented in the office while you were there, is it not equally good, Is it not a check on the Shipping Office for money due?
A. Yes.