6767. Have you made any effort to induce the people [Page 164] there to take leases, or offered them compensation for improvements?-I have not offered them compensation. I could not do that; but I have told them that the understanding on which they held their lands was this-that if they made improvements, either in cultivating the land, keeping up their fences, or repairing their houses, their rents would not be raised during my lease.
6768. You have only a lease of Ollaberry?-Yes, for nineteen years.
6769. Has your intimation to the tenants, that their rents would not be raised if they improved their holdings, had a beneficial effect?-I think it has in some cases; that is to say, they have kept up their fences very well, and I know some parties who have added to their cultivated ground.
6770. Do you think that has been done to a greater extent than would have been the case if you had held out no such inducement to them?-I would fancy so.
6771. Is there any other suggestion or statement you wish to make?-I think not.
Hillswick, Northmavine, January 11, 1872, PETER PETERSON, examined.
6772. Are you a fisherman at Hillswick?-Not present. I am at Hillyar now. I live at Hillswick, but I am not fishing there.
6773. Have you got any land?-Yes; a small piece in Hillswick from Mr. Gifford.
6774. For whom do you fish?-For Mr. Laurence Smith at Hillyar at present.
6775. Is he a large curer?-No; he has only two boats fishing for him. I have been fishing for him two years now.