11,976. Do you not think the men would be much wiser to take their own money and spend it as they wanted? Would they not understand the value of the money better in that way, and take better care of it?-They take their money at the end of every season.
11,977. But in the meantime they have spent perhaps three-fourths or four-fifths of all their earnings?-Of course they have been lifting their lines and hooks and everything of that sort, but they have never wanted money when they asked for it, even although they had nothing in my hands. Sometimes they asked for it to buy a cow or some particular thing, and they sometimes got as much from me as £4 or £5.
11,978. But you don't give it to them unless they want something particular, and mention to you what it is?-No.
11,979. Do you think it is a good system for men to leave all their affairs in your hands?-I don't know; I did not want them to do so unless they liked.
11,980. Would not the merchant require to be a very honest man when he is so much trusted?-He would indeed.
11,981. And a man who was disposed to deceive the fishermen who trusted him would have very ample opportunities to do so?- He would.
11,982. I suppose that has been done in a few exceptional cases in Shetland?-No doubt it has.
11,983. Do you think a fisherman who lives under that system is an independent person?-A man who has plenty of money to serve his purpose is as independent a man, or he should be, as any.
11,984. Do you think the fishermen have plenty of money to serve their purposes?-Not in general; but there are a few who have it.
11,985. Do you think they might all have it?-I don't think so.