Sir
129
8/3 Cranley
Hongkong
December 4th /06
With reference to our conversation of y.day. I beg to state 184/06 as follows:
On September 184/04 owing to the s/s Cranley being chartered to transport Indentured Chinese Coolies from China to South Africa, I made application to You in due form to discharge the European crew on-board, as these men objected to remain in the ship owing to the Russo-Japanese war.
The men were discharged in your presence, and their wages were thoroughly checked by you and found correct. The men were sent to London at the Owners' expense by the French Mail Steamer Ernest Simons, and their wages were paid to them on arrival. The men and myself were exceedingly pleased with the pains you took to explain every detail, and it was common talk among the men how impartial you were.
You then asked me to engage and discharge the crews at your office as it was more satisfactory to everyone.
On the 20-9-04 we Engaged a full Chinese Crew at your office, and since that time we have discharged and Engaged crews at your office about 3 to 4 month's intervals to the present date. I have always been present at discharges & Engagements till the head men of each department...