138.—(1) In any proceeding under this Act before a superintendent relating to the wages, claims, or discharge of a seaman, the superintendent may require the owner, or his agent, or the master, or any mate or other member of the crew, to produce any log-books, papers, or other documents in his possession or power relating to a matter in question in the proceeding, and may require the attendance of and examine any of those persons, being then at or near the place, on the matter.

(2) If any person so required fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with the requisition, he shall for each offence be liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds.