5729. So that the calculation is somewhat similar?-Yes. There is 5 per cent. taken off for selling and risk before the division takes place.
5730. When is the Faroe fishing at an end?-As rule, it is at an end in August.
5731. When are the fish completely cured?-It is sometimes nearly the end of September before they are cured.
5732. Is the division made then?-No; the owner of the vessel sells all the fish, and the division is not made until the settlement.
5733. In the case of a man who engages with you for the Faroe fishing, is it usual for an account to be opened in his name in the same way as with the others?-Yes; we are obliged to supply him with an outfit. The principle of that agreement is, that the men get one-half the value of the fish after deducting curing, and the expenses of converting the fish into cash. They are also allowed 8 lbs. of biscuit per week; the other provisions they have to furnish for themselves.
5734. These supplies are all entered to the man's debit in your book?-Yes.
5735. Is it usual for you to supply his family during his absence with goods on credit in the same way?-Yes; we are very often obliged to do that in order to keep them from starving.
5736. Is that done on a larger scale than in home fishing?-No; I don't think it is done on such a large scale, for the greater number of the hands going to the Faroe fishing are young men without families.
5737. In the Faroe fishing you have not only the 5 per cent. for selling, but you have the profit on one-half of the fish?-That is sometimes a very small profit, for the vessels will sometimes be £100 in debt in the course of a year.
5738. But that depends on the luck of the voyage?-Yes; we have one-half of the fish for the vessel.