13,828. That would not explain the fact of certain curers paying a higher price every year?-No.
13,829. Is there anything else you wish to state?-No.
Lerwick, January 27, 1872, LAURENCE SIMPSON, examined.
13,830. Are you a tenant on the estate of Lunna?-I do not wish to give any statement before you at all, [Page 346] because the proprietor may not look well upon me, and perhaps may raise my rent or warn me. My name has been put in to you privately without my knowledge. I did not give it in myself.
13,831. Every one knows that you do not come here of your own free will, but that you have been summoned to come just as you would be summoned as a witness in a court of law. Now that you are here, you are bound to answer the questions which are put to you, and to speak the truth?-I will do so as far as I can, and as far as my memory will enable me.
13,832. Then you are a tenant on the estate of Lunna?-I am.
13,833. Are you bound to fish for the tacksman of Lunna?-I believe I am, so far as I can understand.
13,834. You have no liberty to sell your fish to anybody else?- No.
13,835. Was there a meeting held at Lunna about eight or ten years ago, at which Mr. Bell and Mr. Robertson were present and told the tenants that they were expected to fish for Mr. Robertson?-I believe there was.
13,836. Were you there?-I don't remember.