1004. When you prepared that petition some years ago, did you land your herring on the island, or were they handed in to some vessel?-There were two or three years about that time when a vessel came to Hamnavoe, and we measured them on board of her. When she was full, we had to measure them on shore.
1005. Who sent that vessel?-It was a man who came with a vessel from Hamburg for herrings, and he bought them from Messrs. Hay.
1006. Did the man pay you for the fish?-No; we had nothing to do with him, so far as the paying was concerned.
1007. Was it one of the grievances set forth in the petition, that you were paid in goods for these herrings, while the Wick fishermen got a larger price in cash?-I don't remember about that.
1008. You say you signed the obligation about eight years ago. Have you ever endeavoured or wished to break through it and to obtain your liberty?-No.
1009. You have never attempted that?-No.
1010. Does that obligation bind your family as well as yourself?- Yes, if they like to do it.
1011. But in the obligation itself did you become bound that your sons as well as yourself should fish for Messrs. Hay?-Yes.
1012. Have had to pay liberty money for any of your sons?-Yes; I had to pay it for one of my sons-Robert Smith. He was two years away. One year he was with Mr. Harrison, and the year following he was with Mr. Garriock, and I paid liberty money in these years to Messrs. Hay on his account.
1013. How long ago was that?-I think it was three years ago.