12,245. Have you any accounts with fishermen engaged in the Faroe fishing for other merchants than yourselves?-We have some, but not many.
12,246. I suppose these Faroe men generally open accounts with the merchants in whose smacks they are engaged?-Yes, generally.
12,247. Have you anything to say in addition to what was stated by Mr. Georgeson and Mr. Twatt in their evidence?-The only thing I would like to say is, that I think all the men have complete liberty to engage anywhere they choose, or to go to the fishing or south as they like. I don't think any compulsion is used.
12,248. I don't think any of the previous witnesses said there was any compulsion in that way. Have you ever endeavoured to purchase cured fish?-No.
12,249. Why? Did you never think of it?-No.
12,250. Was that because you considered you would have no chance of getting the fish to buy?-I could hardly say that; but I never thought much about it.
Lerwick, January 24, 1872, ARCHIBALD ABERNETHY, examined.
12,251. Are you a shopkeeper at Whiteness, in the parish of Tingwall?-I am.
12,252. In what goods do you deal?-Principally in eggs and butter.
12,253. Do you deal in groceries and a little in soft goods?-Yes.