12,158. But eggs and hosiery may sometimes be entered in the account?-Not much hosiery. I don't do much in that way.
12,159. You said it might amount to £50, but the transactions, I suppose, are settled at the time?-Yes. In some years I do not do the half of that, but would cover my transactions in that way in any year. I remember some years ago buying three or four times as much, but now the knitters all go to Lerwick with their work.
12,160. What hosiery you do buy is all settled for at the time?- Yes, it is paid right off there and then. The articles are offered to us, and if we are satisfied with the quality and the price we take them, the same as in any other money transaction.
12,161. Do the accounts which you settle at November or December generally amount to some pounds apiece?-Yes; with those fishermen to whom we have advanced.
12,162. Are these accounts generally paid in cash which the men have got from Messrs. Garriock & Co. for the sale of their fish to them?-Yes.
12,163. I suppose you take good care to bring as many of your accounts as possible to settlement immediately after the settling time with Garriock & Co.?-Yes; that is our usual practice.
Lerwick, January 24, 1872, JOHN TWATT, examined.
12,164. You are a merchant at Voe, in the parish of Walls?-I am.
12,165. How far is that from Bayhall?-About five minutes' walk.
12,166. Have you heard the evidence of Mr. Georgeson?-I have.