10,348. But you are their employer, and are liable to them for their wages?-Yes.
10,349. Do they take part of their wages in goods from the shop?-When they want them in that way, they get a line for their money to the shop.
10,350. Do you give them a line when they want goods?-Yes. I give them a line stating the amount that Mr. Sandison is to give them, either in goods or in money.
10,351. Is that entered against you in the books at Uyea Sound?- Yes.
10,352. Before paying them their wages, do you ascertain how much has been taken out by them in that way?-No.
10,353. Then how is the balance of their wages settled? Is it paid directly by the company?-It is paid by the company. I state in my line what fee I give them; and what they may give them over and above that I cannot tell. I am not responsible for that.
10,354. The line you give to the company does not state so much money, 5s. or 10s., that is to be allowed to them in goods or in cash, at a particular time, but it simply states the fee that you have agreed to give them at the end of the year?-It states the balance they have not actually got from me. If they want a certain amount at any time, I give them a line; or if they ask the money from me, then I give it to them, and they get a line to Mr. Sandison for the balance.
10,355. Do you sometimes give them money yourself?-Yes; when they ask for money they get it.
10,356. But more commonly they get a line to Mr. Sandison for goods?-More commonly for the greater share of it.
10,357. How many lines do they get in the course of a year? Is it one or more?-Generally one at the end of the season, when the fish have been dried.