10,406. Were you ever told that you had to fish for Spence & Co?-That was rather hinted at.
10,407. Who hinted it?-Mr. Mouat. I was rather hot-tempered, and so was he, and when we were both hot he gave me a hint about that.
10,408. Was that in 1868?-I think so.
10,409. I suppose you conveyed the hint to a good number of others?-Yes. I sat down and wrote a letter to Mr. Walker, telling him what had been said; and I got an answer from him, saying I was to work according to the rules I had in my lease, and that no one could interfere.
10,410. Is there anything more you have to say?-There is nothing particular; but I may say that there are a good many skippers here, and a good many poor men, who will never be asked to come forward, and will never get the chance.
10,411. They may come forward if they like?-They don't care about coming forward, and there are some of them whose stories are far worse than mine.
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Baltasound, Unst, January 19, 1872, CHARLES GRAY, examined.
10,412. You are a mason at Balliasta?-Yes.
10,413. Have you been working lately in the chromate of iron quarries?-Not for the last few years. I think it is six years since I was there.