15,139. You have not been long in that position?-Not long. Besides, I could not be sure that cheques presented were for that purpose.
Lerwick, January 30, 1872, ROBERT MULLAY, examined.
15,140. Are you a merchant and fish-curer in Lerwick?-Yes, to a small extent.
15,141. Have you any other business?-I have a retail shop here.
15,142. How many boats had you employed in the line-fishing last year?-Seven.
15,143. You have a fishing station at Ireland, in Dunrossness, on the property of Mr. Bruce of Simbister?-Yes. I pay rent to him for the beach and booth.
15,144. Is your station the only place in that neighbourhood where fish can be landed and dried?-There is no other place in that bay where fish can be cured; there is no other beach than the one I have.
15,145. Are the tenants on that part of the Simbister estate under any obligation to fish for you?-None whatever.
15,146. Do they, in point of fact, all fish for you?-Yes; all those who fish out of that bay.
15,147. Is that because there is no other beach?-I suppose there is no other cause for it.