16,185. Are the rules strictly observed now?-So far as we can attend to them, they are.
16,186. Are you not able to attend to them?-Yes.
16,187. Then they are attended to?-Yes.
16,188. What did you mean by qualifying your answer, and saying, so far as you could attend to them?-I meant by taking steps to stop all these informalities.
16,189. But there are no informalities now?-No.
16,190. Is there no delay now in settling?-There is delay in settling, most undoubtedly.
16,191. Is that not strictly prohibited by the regulations?-I don't think it is. There are five days allowed for settling, according to the Act; but here it takes five or six or seven or eight months.
16,192. What is the cause for that in your opinion?-I cannot say.
16,193. Have you any doubt that the men would come forward to be settled with if they were instructed to do so by the agent and the master of the ship?-I should think they would, and be paid within a day or so after the ship's arrival. I think that would be far better for all parties.
16,194. Are you aware whether there is any difficulty in making up the statutory accounts of wages which justifies a delay of five or six months in settling?-No. I think they can be made up in the course of ten hours for any whaling crew.