39 
Guardian of May 17th, 1899, on the sole evidence of Bailiff 
Wright, who asserted that the cocklers were making 
plenty of money, the Sea Fisheries Committee reported to 
the Board of Trade that there was no ground for their 
petition. I do not know Bailiff Wright, but should 
certainly infer that he is to the Lancashire Sea Fisheries 
Committee what the world-famed Bumble was to the 
Guardians. He evidently regards the cocklers in the 
same light that worthy regarded the paupers, and is 
equally astonished when ‘ Oliver asks for more.” 
Assuming that my estimate is correct, I don’t blame 
Bailiff Wright.. Bumble’ was the natural product of 
mistaken and bad laws. administered by men out of 
sympathy with the pauper, and the frame of mind of 
Bailiff Wright is exactly what might be expected in the 
subordinate officials from the Sea Fisheries Bye-Laws 
administered by the present staff. I give the extract from 
the Manchester Guardian report of the meeting— 
‘‘ The Clerk stated that a petition had been received 
from the fishermen round Morecambe Bay praying for 
a relaxation of the Bye-Laws with reference to the size 
of mussels and cockles, as under present conditions 
they could not make a living in the winter months. 
Bailiff Wright, questioned by the Chairman, said the 
fishermen took mussels in plenty even in the winter, 
and it was resolved to inform the Board of Trade that 
there was no ground for complaint.” 
Let us examine the question. 
