7999. Do you sell your meal any cheaper than it is sold at the Mossbank shop?-No. I don't see that I can sell it any cheaper than Mr. Pole can.
8000. What is the price of your meal just now?-I deal very little in that. I only sell a few groceries-such as tea, tobacco, sugar, soap, soda, spice, pepper, and things of that kind. I might also have a sack or two of meal about the beginning of August, when it is most required.
8001. Where do you buy your meal?-For the most part in Lerwick, but I send south for a little of it.
8002. Do you think it would be better for the people in the country if a ready money system were introduced?-I think so. I think it would be better for the big merchants also to pay in money. I have had that idea all along, that it would be better both for the merchants and the people to pay in cash.
8003. Why would it be better for the people?-Because they would have the cash to please themselves with, and to go where they liked.
8004. If they could please themselves, do you think they might be able to buy cheaper?-Yes.
8005. If you were getting a large ready-money business, do you think you could sell cheaper than you do now?-I cannot say.
8006. But if a ready-money system were introduced you would try to do that?-Yes, I would and I think I would be able to do so, because the money is in hands and out of hands and there are no bad debts.
Brae, January 13, 1872, Rev. JAMES FRASER, examined.
8007. You have been a clergyman at Sullem for twenty-four years?-I have.