Uo. 7 (1917) ADMINISTRATION REPORT, I917-18 191 



31. Dtputation to Baroda. — Consequent upon the request of the Govern- 

 ment of Baroda for the loan of my services to make a second investigation 

 of the fishery resources of their State, with the sanction of the Madras 

 Government, I spent one month from 9th December 191 7 in Kathiawar. 

 I found that the steps taken by the Baroda Government to develop their 

 pearl fishery on the lines of the recommendations I drew up ten years ago, 

 had resulted satisfactorily in providing a new source of livelihood to some 

 hundreds of the poorer coast population and in adding considerably to 

 the local revenue. The stow-net fishery for Bombay Ducks carried on 

 in large deep-sea fishing boats of 10 to 20 tons burden as well found 

 and roomy as many British herring boats was investigated, together with 

 other phases of the local fishing industry. A report has been furnished, 

 embodying a number of recommendations for further development. It was 

 gratifying to find that the two Baroda fishery officers are men who had 

 been trained (as far as facilities permitted) by the Madras Fisheries Depart- 

 ment ; both are doing most useful work and promise to become valuable 

 technical officers. 



32. Socio-economic work.—l am glad to report that three co-operative 

 societies were formed among the fishermen of Ramnad district during the 

 past year, two in Rameswaram Island and the other at Karangadu. It is 

 too early to say how far they will prove successful, as the men are by nature 

 improvident and averse to regular repayment of money obtained on loan. 

 Much depends locally upon the success of these pioneer societies and 

 everything is being done to assist the management. Many of the mem- 

 bers are divers who participate in the Rameswaram fishery and as this has 

 given good returns this season, the men are in an unusually good position 

 to take up shares. No better year could have been chosen for the 

 inception of this work. 



33. Loans for the purchase of boats. — As borrowers cannot be made to 

 see the necessity for regular repayment, however small be the monthly rate 

 agreed upon, loans have been restricted to a minimum. At the present 

 time there are five outstanding amounts, which represent as many boats 

 bought with Government assistance. All loans have been substantially 

 reduced during the season although payments have been irregular as men- 

 tioned above. No amounts have become unrecoverable, and no losse& are 

 probable as the balances of the loans made are amply secured upon the 

 boats purchased, which stand in the name of the Superintendent, Pearl and 

 Chank Fisheries, as representing Government, pending the extinction of 

 the advances. 



The actual amounts outstanding on 31st May 1917 totalled Rs. 340 

 owed by 6 men ; on the same date this year the amount was Rs. 363 owed 

 by s men. 



