12,059. Are Messrs. Garriock & Co. factors for some of the proprietors there?-Yes. They are factors for the estate of Dr. Scott of Melby.
12,060. Do the men look upon themselves as being bound?-They are not really bound. They have a little liberty.
12,061. But they think they ought to sell their fish to Garriock & Co. rather than to another?-Yes, that is what is understood, but they are not really bound.
12,062. In what way have you observed that feeling among the men, that they ought to sell to Garriock & Co.? Do they sometimes speak of it to you?-If Garriock & Co. offered them the same price as other merchants, they consider they ought to give them the preference; that is the only way in which I have seen it.
12,063. Would they sell to Garriock & Co. if they were offered a less price?-I don't think they would.
12,064. They would be independent enough not to agree to that?- I think so. But there is a confusion there. I could not enter into explanations upon that point fully.
12,065. Why?-Because I don't think it is necessary.
12,066. But that is just the very point I want to know about. What have you to say with regard to it?-I know that sometimes, if I were offering the same price as Garriock & Co., I would not get the fish from the men.
12,067. Have you tried that recently?-I have.
12,068. Were you willing to resume the business of buying fish?- Certainly.