14,168. Was the settlement for the final payment of oil-money generally made at a later period?-Always at a later period.
14,169. Was there always a settlement before the last payment of oil-money became due?-Always, except when they happened to be in debt.
14,170. They might be in debt to a greater amount than anything that was due to them?-They might, but of course, if a man had money to get, he was sure to come forward when he required it.
14,171. Were the accounts which were run with the men at that time larger than you now allow them to incur?-I should say not.
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14,172. Are there some men even now who are indebted at settlement to the full amount of their wages and oil-money?- Very few.
14,173. But that does occur?-It may be the case with some of the young hands.
14,174. Does that happen now as often as formerly?-I daresay it does. It depends on the success of the voyage; but we are rather more particular now than we used to be.
14,175. In what way are you more particular now?-We know better what time the voyage will occupy and we always keep within the mark as far as possible.
14,176. Is there less security now for getting your money paid at the proper time than there was formerly?-I cannot say that we have experienced that.