2762. But when there is an over-production of that kind of goods, can the knitters not turn their hands to something else?-They do so occasionally.
2763. So that you have not an increasing stock of goods which you cannot sell at a profit?-Very often they cannot get the wool with which to make the coarser sort of goods. It is not to be got, and there is a very large proportion of the Shetland wool sent south, and sold as raw material.
2764. Then the women are restricted to the articles for which they have suitable wool?-Yes; both those who knit for themselves, and those who knit with the wool which we give out.
2765. That is to say, you have not always the kind of wool that you want?-No; we cannot get a sufficient quantity of fine Shetland wool; but I don't give out any wool for making coarse goods, only the lace goods. I don't give out wool for such things as men's underclothing and stockings.
2766. Have you anything else to say?-No; there is nothing more that occurs to me to say.
Lerwick, January 4, 1872, JAMES TULLOCH, examined.
2767. You are a merchant in Lerwick?-I am.
2768. You keep a drapery store?-Yes.
2769. Do you sell any other goods?-The only grocery goods I sell are tea and soap.
2770. Do you purchase hosiery?-My chief business in it is purchasing it. I have very few knitters employed.