7382. Or further south to Reawick?-Not to my knowledge.
7383. The fishermen, you think, do not move about so far as that?-No. Perhaps I may be allowed to say with regard to the special case of a fisherman that I mentioned, that there was no previous arrangement between Mr. Greig and me about a general collection of debts from the men. I was merely pressing the debtor for payment, and Mr. Greig came forward as a friend.
7384. Do you mean that the understanding or practice which you have referred to does not exist so far as the Messrs. Hay are concerned?-There is no such understanding betwixt me and Messrs. Hay.
7385. And you have said that you did not refer to them when you spoke of the practice existing at a former time, when you were in a different firm?-No; I do not include them. With regard to another previous statement I wish also to say, that so far from wishing my customers to get into debt, I have had a notice signed to the effect that I would not give credit to knitters beyond four months, and then I reduced it to two months. That shows that it is against our interest, instead of being for our interest, to let them get into debt.
Hillswick, Northmavine, January 12, 1872, ANDREW RATTER, examined.
7386. You are a fisherman at North Roe?-I am.
7387. Are you a tenant of Messrs. Hay there?-Yes.
[Page 178]
7388. What balance was paid to you last year at settlement?-£5, 15s.
7389. Is that about the ordinary sum you have to get in a fair season?-Yes.