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41 more or less, able to stand, some of the new hands not able to speak English, but on the whole I thank God I have at last got so far from the shore as to ensure finding the crew when wanted. As a result of these few days' working, the official Log Book contains the following entries. Having, when the crew is complete, only six firemen and trimmers, six seamen, boatswain and carpenter, I think the list of charges contained therein, out of such a small number, quite sufficient to make a record. The entries are as follow:

"I am sure, sir, looking at those few facts, one is inclined to ask what is the use of existing Board of Trade regulations? Why not close all H.M. engagement offices, as the contracts therein are not worth the paper they are signed upon? What is the use of out-door Board of Trade officers with regard to any assistance a master leaving port may get from them? If the Board of Trade are willing to help the masters, why not keep a 'Black list,' and enter the names of every seaman and fireman who has failed to join without reason, and prevent him from repeating his offence? Is it not notorious that the Board of Trade officers favour seamen and firemen to the detriment of masters and officers? Is not the Merchant Shipping Act, with regard to the engagement of seamen, all a farce? I have read controversies between masters and others interested as to the