16,195. But there may be a difficulty in making up the account at the agent's shop, may there not?-I don't know. They might have that prepared beforehand, if it was necessary.
16,196. Do you know whether the effect of the delay which so occurs is to make the men incur larger accounts at the agent's shop?-I am not aware of that.
16,197. Have you ever heard any statement from the men to the effect that they had to go to the shop during that period of delay?-I never did.
16,198. Do you think it is the fault of the men that the settlements are so long delayed?-There is no doubt a fault on the part of the men, because, if they go away to their homes in the distant islands, there must necessarily be a difficulty in collecting them again.
16,199. But is it not the custom to let them away in the first instance without directing them to come and receive their wages?-I think so.
16,200. Do you know whether they have ever been strictly ordered to attend for that purpose by the master of the ship?-Not to my knowledge.
16,201. Where are the men usually landed from these whaling vessels?-They are sometimes landed at the lighthouse, sometimes at Scalloway, sometimes at Sumburgh Head, but most commonly at Lerwick harbour.
16,202. Are nine out of every ten landed there?-No, but more the one half of them are landed in Lerwick harbour.
Lerwick, February 5, 1872, Mrs. MARGARET SMITH or GIFFORD, examined.
16,203. Do you live in Lerwick?-Yes.