NAVIGATION COMMISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 41, 17 February 1905, Page 5

NAVIGATION COMMISSION.

criming AT NEWCASTLE.

CONDITIONS ON BRITISH

SHIPS

(Received 10 a.r.:. .

SYDNEY, this day. Witnesses before the Navigation Comimssion declared that the crimping in Newcastle was in San Francisco. They stated that three out of five captains preferred Swedes and Norweguns to British sjitars. The foreimers were inpre easily handled, and grmnbled less On the whole the British sailo? of British ships were very bad. The best forecastles that came to Newcastle were in German ships, and the best-fed ships were American. Until the food and accommodation on British ships improved good-class men would not be attracted. It was further stated that the boardinmaster charged blood money, and that tins amounted to £1 for every man put on board. The runner made out the bill and this was put through the agent's office. After the captain had signed it the money was paid to the runner, who shared it with the captain. For every pound the runner gained he gave the captain ten sellings. This was not charged against the sailor, but was paid by the owner of the ship. Some captains did not get high wages, and had to get "a little of the pickings."

SYDNEY, February 16. The evidence given before the Navigation Commission reveals the fact that there is a considerable amount of shanghaiing (a form of crimping) seamen at Newcastle.