969. Did you make more of them than you would have done by
delivering them to the merchant?-I did.
970. Was any objection taken by Messrs. Hay to your selling the
fish in that way?-I must tell the truth: we did smuggle a few. We
would not like them to know of it, but I suppose they will know of
it by and by.
971. Is there much smuggling carried on in that way among the
fishermen?-I believe it is done on a very small scale.
972. But the restrictions you are under do induce you to smuggle
occasionally, in order to get a larger price?-Yes; and on some
occasions, in order to get the ready money.
973. Do you not always get ready money for smuggled fish?-We
can get it now.
974. From people in Scalloway?-Yes; but if had our liberty like
Englishmen, we would have no need to smuggle.
975. Is there anything more you want to say about the matters
referred to in your letter?-I think I have said all I wish to say,
only that our errand in here has been undertaken under the
protection of you, as a commissioner from Her Majesty's
Government, who can give us our liberty; and if it had not been on
that account we would not have come.
Lerwick, January 2, 1872, PETER SMITH, examined.