Senator PEARCE (Western AustraliaMinister of Defence) . - I move -

These amendments are designed to protect seamen in regard to deductions on account of moneys advanced and goods sold by the master. ' Unfortunately, there is reason to believe that unscrupulous ship-masters have sometimes practically forced men to desert, leaving a considerable amount in wages due to them. The masters have then manipulated the stores' accounts and advance notes in such a way as to divert the wages due to the seamen into their own pockets. The ' amendments are calculated to prevent a continuance of such practices.

Motion agreed to.

Clause 75 (Time for payment of wages on foreign-going ships).

House of Representatives' Amendment.- Insert the following new sub-clause : - (1a) In cases where the seamen are engaged on time or running agreement on an Australian-trade or limited coasttrade ship, all wages earned shall be paid monthly not later than the first day of each month, or thereafter within twenty-four hours after the ship first arrives at any port in Australia at which there is a bank.