23 
fishing boats as much as I have, you would have seen the 
reason for immediately getting rid of all slippery substances 
from the deck. When the wind blows a bit, it is as much 
as you can do to keep on your feet, and handle the boats 
and nets with the deck clean. 
Considering these facts, and the strong practical reasons 
named above against using too small a mesh, why should a 
group of scientists presume to dictate to shrewd business 
men how to carry on their business, and why should they be 
armed with such monstrous powers? What is the’ effect of 
this absurd legislation? Take their own statements in 
regard to the Blackpooi closed ground. 
‘When it is considered that from 70 to go boats 
used to be employed shrimping on these grounds (Black- 
pool Closed Grounds), each boat making from four to 
five hauls on each tide, it will not be wondered that the 
Committee closed them, nor can it be denied that the 
closing must be of immense benefit in the protection of 
undersized fish.” 
What about the wives and children of the poor fisher- 
men? Two men at least would be employed on each boat. 
Could any possible benefit accruing to the deep sea fishers 
compensate for the depriving all these men of their living? 
But this is considered to be a trifle when put into the balance 
against ‘some risk” of immature-fishes being killed. 
Let us consider for a minute what this really means. 
Supposing the boats earned on an average only £3 per 
