9148. When do you generally go to Lerwick to engage for the whaling?-About the end of February or beginning of March.
9149. Do you go straight to Messrs. Hay's office and tell them you want an engagement?-No, I don't go straight there; but I have always found them very favourable towards me, and therefore I have always been inclined to go out from them.
9150. Do you get your outfit supplied there?-Yes, if I require it.
9151. Do you require a new outfit for the whaling every year?- We always require something new.
9152. Do you also require supplies for your family while you are away at the fishing, such as meal, tea, flour, and things of that sort, and clothing?-Yes.
9153. Where do you keep your account for these things?-With Messrs. Hay & Co.
9154. You always get an advance paid down to you when you are first engaged?-Yes; we get our first month's advance, and then we get a half-pay ticket.
9155. Do you always get a half-pay ticket?-Yes, those who require it.
9156. But do you always get it?-Yes; I have got it ever since it came up. I think it is only four or five years since it came to be used in Shetland.
9157. Were there no allotment tickets in use before four or five years ago?-No, not in Shetland. I never saw them before that time.