12,465. You do not require to take it at a price which would not remunerate yourselves?-No. Of course, if they asked more than we were inclined to give, they would have to take it away.
12,466. Have you any dealings in kelp?-None. There is some kelp on Dr. Scott's property, but Mr. Adie purchases it.
12,467. Does he pay a rent to Mr. Scott for the kelp shores?-He pays a trifle; it is not much.
12,468. You say you have a certain number of boats engaged in what is called the home cod fishing?-Yes, they are small smacks.
12,469. You are almost the only people who are still engaged in that business?-Yes.
12,470. What number of vessels do you employ in that way?-We had five out last year; we used to have ten or twelve.
12,471. What would be the number of the crews in these five vessels?-They would average nine hands.
12,472. How long in the year are they engaged in that fishing?- For a little more than three months, from 1st May to 15th August. The men in that fishing go on shares, and are settled with in the same way as those on board the Faroe smacks. The arrangement as to the division is different in these vessels The crew get seven-twelfths of the earnings, and we don't find bread or coals.
12,473. Do these men come home oftener than the Faroe fishers?-Yes; they come home weekly. I now produce a settlement with one of these vessels. [Produces it.]
12,474. That shows that, as nearly as possible, four-fifths of the whole earnings were paid in cash?-Yes. Two of these men are our tenants. I think we had three of Mr. Hay's tenants in that vessel. It is a mixed crew; we never ask whose property they are on when we engage them.