10,231. Then you buy nothing from Spence & Co. that is worth mentioning except tea and tobacco?-I sometimes buy a little sugar. It is fine white sugar at 6d. a lb. I have also bought sugar from Mr. William Johnston. It was of the same price and quality. I have never got it from Lerwick.
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Baltasound, Unst, January 19, 1872, WILLIAM GILBERT
MOUAT, examined.
10,232. You are a partner of the firm of Spence & Co?-I am.
10,233. You manage their business at Baltasound along with Mr. Thomson?-Yes.
10,234. You were in business on your own account for a good many years before the formation of that company?-Yes, for eighteen years at Baltasound. I was not extensively in the fishing then, but I had a shop.
10,235. Were you present during the examination of Mr. Sandison?-Yes.
10,236. Do you concur generally in what he said?-Yes; I don't think I could correct or add anything to it, for I think he has given just such a statement as I would have given myself.
10,237. Do you entertain the same opinion about the possibility of an improved mode of conducting business here?-I do.
10,238. You have arrived at the same conclusion with regard to the expediency of a monthly pay if it could be introduced?-Yes; fortnightly or monthly.