It shall not be necessary for the owner of wood to furnish proof of his claim against any steamboat for cordwood taken, other than his affidavit, setting forth all the material facts connected with the taking of such wood, and refusal to pay therefor, accompanied with a certificate of the judge, or of a justice of the peace, in case of the absence or death of the judge of the parish in which the affiant lives, that he is of good standing as to veracity, and is a citizen of that parish, which affidavit and certificate shall be prima facie evidence. Any person making such affidavit falsely shall be guilty of perjury, and shall, on conviction, be punished according to law.
La. Navigation and Shipping § 34:833