5476. What fish-curer were you employed by last?-When I was last employed by any one, it was Mr. Pole, Mossbank.
5477. At that time did you deal at his shop for your supplies?- Yes; for the most part. I dealt more with him then than I have done since.
5478. Your account was settled, at the end of the year?-Yes.
5479. What kind of account had you generally at settling time for supplies to your family?-I cannot recollect exactly how much it was; but sometimes it may have been £3 or £4.
5480. Then you will not be spending so much as that in the shop now?-No; I have not had occasion to do it for the last two years.
5481. Were you under any sort of obligation to deal at Mr. Pole's shop more than at another shop when you were fishing for him?- Not a bit. They did not prevent me from going anywhere I chose. When I chose to ask anything in their shop, I took it at their own price; but if I did not like it, they did not compel me to take it.
5482. Is there anything else you want to say on the subject of this inquiry?-For my part, I have little to say, because I am not so much concerned in it as some men are. I have my freedom and my liberty.
5483. You think that some other men are more interested in these matters than you?-Yes.
5484. In what way are they interested?-Owing to their circumstances; some of them have families, and they must go to the fish-curer and be supplied by him. They get most of their payment in goods, and they cannot get money.
5485. How can they not get money? Is it because they run up an account at the merchant's shop?-Yes.