5925. Is there any expectation or understanding, when these women are engaged, that they shall open an account and take their wages, or the greater part of them, in goods at your shop?-No, there is no understanding; but we have every reason to believe that they will come to us, because they cannot manage otherwise.
5926. Are the goods which they take generally provisions or soft goods?-Chiefly provisions, but some soft goods too.
5927. In engaging these women, do you give any preference to those who deal at your shop?-No; but they mostly all deal there.
5928. Has each of them a ledger account in her own name with you?-Yes.
5929. Have they generally pass-books, or do they prefer to do without them?-They can get a passbook if they like, but they seldom do it.
5930. Are you a landed proprietor?-I am to small extent.
5931. Are any members of your firm owners of land?-No; not owners.
5932. Or tacksmen?-I am a tacksman of some; and we, as a firm, are factors for one or two small properties.
5933. Are any other members of the firm tacksmen or proprietors of land?-Not tacksmen.
5934. Or proprietors?-No. Mr. Hoseason, I think, is proprietor of one-fifth part of a rental of £3.