1746. Do you sometimes sell knitted articles to the merchants on behalf of the knitters?-Yes.
1747. When a knitter brings you a shawl to dress, I suppose she pays you in money?-Yes.
1748. What is the usual for that?-There are different charges, according to the size of the shawl; but for the general run of them it is 6d.
1749. And that is always paid by the knitter to you in money?- Yes.
1750. In what way is it that you are sometimes asked to sell articles for the knitters?-Because I cannot always have them dressed and ready for them to sell after the time they come in with the goods and before they go away again. These women come from the country, and I cannot have their things ready before they want to go home again; and therefore I sell them for them before they come back.
1751. You sell them as their agent?-Yes.
1752. And then you account to them for the price?-Yes. I get the price from some of the merchants, but others mark it in their books, and don't give lines. These merchants mark down the price of the shawl, and the name of the woman who owns it.
1753. And she, when she comes to the merchant again, arranges with him as to the price?-Yes.
1754. Is it within your knowledge that these shawls are always paid for in goods?-The country girls don't want money, and don't ask it. It is always clothing they need, and they get it.
1755. Then they just knit for the purpose of supplying themselves with clothing?-Yes.