9178. When you have an account standing in Messrs. Hay's books, how do you settle it?-We go back to the shop from the shipping office and pay the money.
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9179. How long has that been done?-I suppose for the last four or five years.
9180. Before that, you had a settlement at the office, and only got the balance in cash?-Yes.
9181. Is there any deduction made now from the cash you receive at the superintendent's office?-Nothing except the advance of our first month's wages, and the amount drawn under allotment tickets.
9182. But when you give an allotment ticket in the way you have mentioned, how do you do: do you get your half-pay handed over to you in cash?-Yes, if it is not drawn.
9183. Is it sometimes drawn?-No; my half-pay has not been drawn, so far as I recollect. [Produces four accounts of wages.]
9184. Who is William Manson, agent for master?-He is Messrs. Hay's clerk.
9185. The only deduction here is for stores in the ship, and your advance, and the fees?-That is all.
9186. Then in that year, 1870, you got the balance of £16, 3s. 6d. paid to you?-Yes.