7854. I suppose you find it very uphill work competing with the big shops?-I don't know. I am a kind of rough and ready sailor man, and I don't take much thought about that; it does not give me much concern.
7855. Do the men prefer to deal with the big shops in it general way?-I cannot say as to that.
7856. Do you drive a good business with any of the men besides those who sell their fish to you?-No; some of the neighbours may buy a few provisions from us, but not many. A woman may sell her eggs to us, and get provisions for them.
7857. Where do you get your tea?-From Bremner & Grant, Aberdeen.
7858. Do they send their traveller round the country soliciting orders?-Sometimes. He has not been round this winter, and I get my tea when I write for it.
7859. Do you keep pass-books for the business which you do with your customers?-Sometimes, but not many. I think my girl keeps a pass-book sometimes, but I am no scribe myself, and I cannot keep books.
7860. You never were a fisherman?-Not in the home fishing, but I have been at the Faroe fishing as master.
7861. When was that?-About four or five years ago.
7862. Whose vessel were you in?-The late Mr. Hoseason's. I have not been at Faroe since then.
7863. You went from Mossbank then?-Yes; I was one year in a schooner for Mr. Adie too.