16,661. This sitting was held for the purpose of examining Mr. Methuen before he went to England, but I have received intimation that he is forbidden by his medical adviser from undergoing any examination on account of his health, and I understand you have come here to speak, to some of the points on which I wished information from him?-Yes; he asked me to attend for that purpose.
16,662. You have been for some years in Mr. Methuen's service?-Yes; for eight years.
16,663. In what capacity?-I had charge of looking over the agreements and settling with fishermen for the first five or six years; and I have since conducted the correspondence, and taken the management of his business.
16,664. Have you had the principal management of his business during his absence in consequence of ill health?-I have, during the last twelve months.
16,665. Has Mr. Methuen the largest business as a fish-curer in Scotland, both in curing herring and cod and ling?-Yes; particularly in curing herring, and pretty extensively in the curing of other kinds of fish.
16,666. You don't say that he has the largest business in curing cod and ling?-No, I would not say that.
16,667. Has he stations on every part of the Scotch coast?-Yes, all round the east and west coasts of Scotland; also in the north of England, and at Yarmouth; and also at Howth in Ireland.
16,668. I believe that at one time Mr. Methuen carried on business in Shetland?-Yes.
16,669. Where were his stations there?-They were near Lerwick, at Cumlywick and Sandwick.
16,670. Are these places about ten miles from Lerwick, near Sandlodge?-I understand so.