7989. But the people generally take goods for it?-Yes; they generally take the price in goods, or if they ask money, they will receive 6d. less per cwt., which I think is not unfair.
7990. If it was paid in ready money, I suppose you would have a chance of getting some of the custom of these kelp-gatherers?- Yes; if every man had his freedom to go where he liked, I would have a chance.
7991. Then I suppose the reason why sales are larger in winter and less in summer is, that the people have not ready money to go to your shop for the goods they want?-No; the men are all at the ling fishing in the summer time and all the chance I have is in the winter time, when they are at home fishing in the small boats.
7992. But even although they were at home in summer, they would not have ready money with which to come to you?-No. A man might not have ready money continually, unless he was paid every day for his catch.
7993. Would it not be better for your business if the men were paid every day or every week for their fish?-I don't think it would be any better for me unless I was out at the fishing station.
7994. But their families would have the money, and they might come to you with it?-They might.
7995. The men don't take their wives and children to the fishing station?-No.
7996. But I suppose the wives and children have very little money when the men are away at the stations?-Very little.
7997. Is that the reason why they get their supplies from the merchant's shop?-Yes.
7998. Only if they had the money they might go with it to another dealer, from whom they might get their articles cheaper?-They might.