12,654. Were there many of them?-Most of the men in Skerries, in the fishing line were in debt at that time.
12,655. At what season of the year was that?-In summer.
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12,656. Were there a number of men at that time in the island who did not live there?-Yes, a great number.
12,657. Were they put on an allowance too?-I could not say as to that. I can only speak of those who live constantly in the island, and more especially myself.
12,658. Do you not think it was quite reasonable, that if a person to whom you were due money was to continue to make you further advances, he should use his own discretion as to the amount of these advances?-Of course, if I got the goods at the market price. I think I ought to have got my meal, or whatever I was requiring, at the market price in Lerwick, adding something for freight.
12,659. Did you not get it at that rate?-No; I found that I could buy meal 7s. per sack cheaper in Lerwick than in Skerries; and from that down to the lowest thing we got, it was generally charged one-third more than it could be got for in Lerwick or any place near to it. I have paid for a sack of meal at Mr. Adie's station at Skerries, when I could have got it from any merchant in Lerwick at 50s. or 51s.
12,660. That was a difference of 10s.: when did you do that?-I could not say, but I have done it. I think it was about four years back.
12,661. Was that before 1869, when you were put on an allowance?-Yes.
12,662. Were you in debt at that time?-Yes.