16,387. Would you have got advances of money if you had asked for them when you were not taking supplies?-I expect I would.
16,388. But you did not want the money, and you did not ask for it?-I did not ask for it.
Lerwick, February 5, 1872, ALEXANDER GOODLAD, examined.
16,389. What are you?-I am a seaman, and I live in Lerwick.
16,390. I understand you wish to make some statement about the sealing and whaling voyages?-Yes. If I ask a half-pay note from an agent, it cannot keep my family, and I am not much acquainted with any person except the agent who will give me credit and therefore I don't know where to get supplies for them in my absence except through him.
16,391. What is the amount of your wages?-Usually 50s., and my half-pay is usually 25s.
16,392. Do you commonly run an account with the agent?-Yes.
16,393. Is your reason for doing so that your halfpay is too small?-Yes.
16,394. Did you ever try to get credit anywhere else except from the agent who engaged you?-I have.
16,395. Were you refused?-Sometimes, but not always.