16,416. Do you get money from the agents for that purpose?- Yes; we get our first month's advance on signing, and then they will give us supplies in addition for two or three months I suppose, or as much as we have a mind to take.
16,417. Have you ever been spoken to at the Custom House, when you were getting your pay, about going down to the shop and settling your account?-I commonly settle my account before I go up to the Custom House.
16,418. But you don't pay your money until after you have been at the Custom House?-No.
16,419. Have you ever been spoken to at the Custom House by the agent, or his clerk, about going down to the office and paying the money that was due?-Yes. I was told last year by Mr. Leask's clerk, Mr. Jamieson, to go down and pay the balance which I was due.
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16,420. Did he tell you that in the Custom House or at the office?-At the office, when we got our account of wages.
16,421. That was before you went up to get your money at all?- Yes.
16,422. He told you then to come back with it?-Yes; and to pay the balance due.
16,423. Is not that always done when you go to settle your account?-No.
16,424. Is it not often done?-No; only that was the time anything of the kind had been said to me.