15,524. What have you seen?-I have seen agents getting men who were in their debt put into their ships.
15,525. Have you heard the captains complaining of the agents putting inferior men upon them for that reason?-I have. Captain Bruce of the 'Camperdown,' complained about that in 1866. He said to the men that Mr. Leask was putting hands into the ship that he did not like, and that he would have liked better hands.
15,526. Did he state the reason why he supposed Mr. Leask was doing that?-He did not tell us about the reason.
15,527. Then how did you know that that was the reason why Mr. Leask had put in inferior hands?-I knew they were men who were in debt to him.
15,528. Did you know that from the men themselves?-Yes, I knew it from several men; but I don't remember their names- they were men on board the 'Camperdown' that year along with me.
15,529. Did they tell you that their being in debt had given them a better chance of a berth?-Yes; and that when they were in debt they got a ship.
15,530. Was that a general understanding among them?-Yes.
15,531. Did you know of any better men who wished to go in that ship, but who were refused because they were not in debt?-No; but I know that if men are debt to the agent they will get a ship sooner than those who are clear with him.
15,532. But you have always got a ship although you were not in debt?-Yes.
15,533. Are you an able seaman?-Yes, I am a boat-steerer.