6539. Have you ever considered whether a system of shorter payments could be introduced in your business which might encourage habits of economy and foresight, and lead the men to keep out of debt?-I have given that point some careful consideration.
6540. You have already said that you introduced a [Page 159] system of giving a premium to your men who were free of debt?- Yes.
6541. But has any other plan for bringing about the end occurred to you?-I don't think there is any other.
6542. Are you aware that the men sometimes express a wish that they should know the price of fish earlier in the season than is the case at present?-Yes. That has been expressed to me sometimes by the men themselves.
6543. Do you think that would have any beneficial effect?-I don't think it. In the winter fishing we have paid for the fish as soon as the men came on shore with them, but I was not aware that they saved any of that cash in consequence of receiving it at once, any more than they would have done if it had been put to account.
6544. Is the winter fishing generally paid in cash?-Yes if the men require it.
6545. Is it more commonly paid for in cash at the time of delivery than is the case in the other fisheries?-The men have the choice of getting cash or goods, just as they like, for their winter fish.
6546. I rather understand they have the choice of getting cash or goods in the other fishings as well at any time if they like: is not that so?-I think not. I think they would not get cash unless they were clear men, or unless we had good cause to know that they were really in necessity for something.
6547. But during the course of the summer fishing are they allowed advances in goods as they require them?-Yes.
6548. Even though they should be to some extent in your debt?- Yes.