499. Is that the general practice among the fishermen in your
locality?-It is; and then we compare the quantities with the factor
before we go up to settle.
500. Then each fisherman has two books-a passbook for his
dealings with the store, and a book of his own in which he marks
down the quantities of fish delivered?-Yes.
501. When you came to settle, do you generally get a large balance
paid to you in cash?-Every year is not alike. If it has been a bad
fishing season, and if the crops are light, then perhaps the accounts
will not square. But there have been two or three good seasons
lately.
502. When the accounts do not square, you mean that, you may be
in debt to the fish-merchant?-Yes; £2 or so.