6509. How long has that system been in operation?-I think since 1864.
6510. Have many of the fishermen got clear of their debts in consequence of that inducement, so far as you can judge by your experience?-I think so.
6511. You think that system has had a beneficial effect?-I think so, judging from the diminution of the debts. I have taken the last four years, and struck an average with regard to that.
6512. You have made a calculation applying to the last four years, showing what?-Showing the degree in which the fishermen have reduced their debts. I don't have that calculation with me here.
6513. Was it made for your own private use?-Yes. I wanted to see whether I was correct in giving the fishermen that advantage, and I found that the average amount to which the fishermen were in debt was £13 each year.
6514. Was that an average only of those who were in debt?-Yes.
6515. And your calculation showed that the average debt of each fisherman was £13 this year?-Not this year, but taking the average for four years.
6516. I understood it was entered into for the purpose of comparison with the period before the system you have now mentioned was introduced?-No. The calculation I made was for the purpose of satisfying myself whether I was correct in giving that 6d. per cwt. in advance extra.
6517. Then do you find that the fishermen who are in your debt now were indebted to you to the amount of £13 on an average?- Yes.
6518. Are you of opinion that that is a less amount of debt per man than existed before that system introduced?-I am.