12,644. When were you last put upon an allowance?-In 1869.
12,645. Was that a year of scarcity?-In our isolated place there is generally scarcity, because our crops are scanty.
12,646. Are they not sufficient to keep your families all the year round?-No.
12,647. Therefore you have every year to buy a certain amount of meal from Mr. Adie?-Yes, we have generally to buy about six months' provisions from him.
12,648. Were you put on an allowance in 1869 because you were in debt?-Yes
12,649. What allowance was made to you then?-Three pecks of meal a week; and there are seven of us in the family.
12,650. Was that less than you required?-Of course it was, but I could get no more.
12,651. How much do you use when you are not upon an allowance?-I could not say exactly, because when I can buy it for myself I take no notice. I think, however, we would require about five pecks a week.
12,652. Did you find the allowance of three pecks to be too small for you?-Of course we did.
12,653. Was the rest of the island put upon an allowance at that time?-All the indebted men were.