680. Was that Mr. Irvine?-It was not Mr. Irvine; it was the man
who was there in his place. I recollect that one day we were a
good deal put about in consequence of that. It was a very coarse
day at the fishing, and Hay & Co. did not have weights at the
place, and Mr. Bruce's man would not allow us to weigh the fish
on his weights.
681. But you were obliged to weigh them in order to find out how
much was Mr. Bruce's share?-We were obliged to weigh the fish
in order to know how they were to be divided among ourselves,
and they had to lie for a whole day until weights were got.
682. Do you know how much money Leslie got for his fishing?-I
think the whole amount was pretty nearly £26; but then he had
expenses for salt and cure to be taken from that-perhaps 30s.
683. He would also have his own time and trouble to allow for?-
He had a lad for curing the fish; that is included in the 30s. Of
course Leslie would have some more trouble with it than we had.
684. That makes a difference of £6, 10s. between you, whereas
you said the difference was about £5?-There may be some
difference of that kind; I am not exactly sure to a few shillings.
685. Was there no objection made to Laurence Leslie going in the
boat with you?-They did not know that he was, not to fish for
Mr. Bruce until we commenced the fishing, and then they could
not object; but Mr. Bruce's rule is, that he won't take part of a
boat. The whole boat must be for him; and in that way there have
been men who have been forced to part company who were nearly
as bad to part as man and wife.
686. After the boat's crew was made up, was any objection taken
to Leslie fishing with you?-They could not object then, because
we had begun to the fishing, [Page 14] and they could not get
another man to take his place, even although they had objected.
687. Do you keep a pass-book, at Mr. Bruce's store for the
supplies you get for your house?-No; it would be of no use for
me to do so.
688. Why?-Because I do not know the prices of the goods, and
they won't mark them down themselves.
689. But they would mark the quantities of the articles you got,
would they not?-No; they would not be bothered with that.
690. Have you ever asked for a pass-book?-Yes; I had a
pass-book, and I had to drop it, because Irvine said he would not
be bothered with it.