10,823. At that time you would want some supplies to be sent home?-Yes.
10,824. And if you wanted anything of that kind, it would be set down against your next account?-No, it was set down against the second payment of oil-money, if we had so much coming to us.
10,825. What you have been describing was the ordinary practice during all the years you were at the whale fishing, both for Mr. Leask and Mr. Tait?-Yes, and for Messrs. Hay also.
10,826. Did you sometimes engage with Messrs. Hay?-Yes.
10,827. Do you think it would be better to have your fishing paid by monthly payments, according to the quantity delivered, and at a price fixed at the beginning of the season, rather than to have the long accounts you have now?-I don't know that, upon the whole, it would be any better for myself; and I can only speak for myself. Those whom I have been serving for the last three years have given me money whenever I wanted it.
10,828. But don't you think you would have the money more under your own command if you were paid monthly or fortnightly?-I could not say that I would have it more under my own command, because they give it to me whenever I ask for it.
10,829. I suppose the merchants are always very glad to get you to fish for them?-I suppose they are.
10,830. Are you not about the best fisherman in the islands?-I have heard that said since I started.
10,831 And I suppose you have generally a balance to get at the end of the year above the supplies you have got?-Yes, sometimes.
10,832. Who do you fish for?-Spence & Co.; I have done so for the last three years.