4I 
There were recent instances of more fish being caught in a 
given time than was ever known before. He did not wish to 
say a word against the knowledge and ability shown by Mr. 
Jex, which no one appreciated more than he did, but he did 
not want the public to get into a state of excitement and be 
carried away by false issues. Whenever an opportunity 
was given for Mr. Jex to hold a Conference, if it were an 
international one he should have the opportunity of coming 
to it; but many people could not do so, and therefore he 
hoped local arrangements would be made at the various 
ports whereby those possessing knowledge of the subject 
could come together ; so that with the assistance of scien- 
tific and practical men a right conclusion would be arrived 
at. It would not do to hurry Government into legislation. An 
Act had recently been passed called the Fishing-boats Act, 
which had been the result of careful deliberation ; but 
perhaps Government had not as much knowledge on the 
subject as it might have had, and, though it was done with 
the best intentions, it was not satisfactory. They should, 
therefore, be careful not to press the Government to do 
something which they might have to regret afterwards. 
He believed that he could prove to demonstration that it 
was a question of displacement, not destruction. No doubt 
many of the fish they used to catch near the shore were 
now caught farther off, but they did not know that when 
they are found nearer the shore they were also found at 
greater distances, and it was pretty well settled that fish 
were of a migratory nature. 
Mr. JEX asked if Mr. Wilmot could give any information 
with reference to the capture of spawn, fry, or immature fish 
on the coast of Canada ? 
Mr. WILMOT said he thought it would be out of place for 
him to interfere in the present discussion, which was confined 
