4245. What kind of soft goods do you get?-Winceys and cottons.
4246. Can you tell the prices which are charged for these things, compared with what you would get them for in Lerwick?-No.
4247. Is it commonly supposed that there is more than one price for goods at that shop? Have you heard the fishermen who settle up only once a year, complain that you get your goods cheaper than they did?-I have not heard them say so. It is not long since I went to that place, and I am not very well acquainted with the fishermen there yet.
4248. Where were you before?-I was born in Northmavine, and I was connected with the fishing there.
4249. How long is it since you ceased to fish there?-About fifteen years ago. After leaving Northmavine I came to Lerwick.
4250. Do the fishermen at Voe run an account at the store, which is settled at the end of the fishing season?-I think so.
4251. What reason have you for supposing that? Have they told you so?-They have not told me, but I have been aware of such cases since I went there.
4252. Does that mode of settlement affect you in your trade?-It affects me in this way, that I get a little more custom from the fishermen about the time when they settle, than I do during the rest of the year.
4253. Is that because they have money to pay you with?-Yes.
4254. Do you not give them credit in the rest of the year if they have work to do?-I give them some credit; but I have only been five months there.