Ordinary seamen get 7_s_. a month. In addition, they have a varying
sea allowance. The pay of seamen ranges up to 30_s_. a month, plus sea
allowance. Altogether the average Japanese sailor, while in England,
gets about 3_s_. a day.
_Petty Officers._
The normal pay of petty officers, according to class and length of
service, runs from 17_s_. to £2 a month, with allowances extra.
_Warrant Officers._
Warrant officers draw from £3 to £5 a month, with numerous allowances.
Allowances to the men include clothing, or money for clothing, etc.
Altogether the Japanese sailor is very well paid. In our naval ports he
is looked on as something of a Crœsus. He spends his money freely, as
all sailors do, and his purchases run to practically everything, from
top-hats to trinkets, and heavy technical books to musical instruments.
Many of them talk English, and still more are able to read it, and
these are prone to buy books. It is quite a common thing for them to
tender five-pound notes in payment; but further particulars of this
sort will be found under the head of Personal Characteristics.