16,282. Have you learned from some of the men themselves that such an impression exists?-No, not from the men themselves.
16,283. Then how do you know that they think so?-I have no real knowledge on the subject; only I know that is said to be the case.
16,284. Who says it?-I cannot mention any particular person that I have heard it from. Perhaps when they see a man engaged for a ship, when they do not have a chance themselves, they may think there is some cause like that to account for it.
16,285. Then some of the men do think that they have a better chance of a berth if they have an account with the agent?-I have merely heard that said; I have no experience of it myself.
16,286. Do you think that if you were not to come down from the Custom House at once and pay your account in the agent's shop, you would have a chance of getting a berth from that agent next year?-I believe I would.
16,287. Why do you think so?-Because, if I was due the agent an account, he might perhaps think that I would make a better voyage in another year, and that I might then be more able to pay him.
16,288. But do you think he would have anything to do with you if you refused to pay your account to him at the settlement in November: do you think in that case that you would have a chance of getting another engagement from him in February or March?-I suppose I would have a chance.
16,289. Would he not say that he would have nothing more to do you, because you had not paid your previous account?-No; I never saw that done.
16,290. Is that because you have always paid your account in proper time?-I don't know; but I always have paid my account when I could.
16,291. Did you ever know of any man who did not pay his account to the agent as soon as he got his money at the Custom House?-No, I never knew of any man who did not do that.