10,549. About twenty or thirty years ago were not many of the people bound to fish for their landlords or tacksmen?-I think they were. That was the case twenty years ago fully more than it is now.
10,550. At that time they were actually bound by the conditions under which they held their land?-I understand so.
10,551. But now they are told they are free?-Yes. They know now that they are at liberty to fish to whom they please; but I don't know if that was the general notion before.
10,552. That is, that they will not be turned out of their land if they comply with certain regulations on certain estate
10,553. But suppose Mr. Johnston were to start half a dozen boats, would he get them manned?-I don't know whether he would get so many as that, but he might.
10,554. Suppose you were to start half a dozen boats, could you get them manned?-I cannot say.
10,555. Has anybody tried that within the last half dozen years?-I am not aware that it has been tried. I believe the men understood that they were bound to fish for the merchants who supplied them with boats, and who gave them supplies for their families, and they did not like to make a change. But now, when the men know that they have their liberty so far, I suppose they would be inclined to go to the merchant who offered them the highest price for their fish.
Baltasound, Unst, January 19, 1872, JOHN SPENCE, examined.
10,556. You are the senior partner of the firm of Spence & Co?-I am.
10,557. You have heard the evidence which has been given by Mr. Sandison and Mr. Mouat?-Yes.