Q. Were you doing your work?
A. Yes.
Q. What was the captain doing?
A. He was sitting looking at Mr. Guterres, paying the man.
Q. That is his name?
A. Captain Steele.
Q. Have you seen that account of wages?
A. Yes.
Q. Is that a common form?
A. Yes.
Q. Do people have to present that before they are paid?
A. Yes.
Q. And the men have to present that in the presence of the captain or someone from the ship before they are paid?
A. Yes.
Q. Why?
A. Because any man could take it.
Q. If the captain were not present and a man presented that form, would it be paid?
A. No.
Q. Why not?
A. Because the clerk would not know if he was the right man.
Q. How are you to find out?
A. He ought to bring a note from the captain.
Q. Supposing nobody could recognise him, is that a good order to the Shipping Master to pay out?
A. I would not say so.
Q. Is that not from the captain?
A. Yes, but anyone could present it.
By Mr. Thomson:
Q. If any man presented it, shouldn't it be paid?
A. I don't see that at all, sir. I have been the master of a ship and I would not.