68 THE FISHERIES. 



have any difficult}^ in meeting these instalments — 

 nay, we are convinced, many of them would antici- 

 pate their obhgations, and place themselves, in a 

 shorter time than the period we have above men- 

 tioned, in the position of independent boat-owners, 

 thus becoming useful and serviceable members of the 

 community, no longer a burden upon the poor-rates, 

 and a reproach to the industry of the country. 



The punctuality of the working classes in Ireland, 

 in similar cases, with their gratitude for kindness 

 shown to them is proverbial. In the City of Cork 

 Loan-fund Society, the loss in six years, upon loans 

 to the amount of £38,520, only amounted to £8 17s. 



We are satisfied the Government would not lose 

 a shiUing by this grant, so prolific and unfaihng is 

 the field, so ample are the means for repayment, and 

 so keen would be the self-reliant struggle for inde- 

 pendence. With a surplus treasury, an exchequer 

 overflowing, and with large indirect taxation from 

 Ireland swelling the resources of the State, we do 

 not think any Chancellor of the Exchequer can re- 

 main imperturbable, or obdurate, in the face of the 

 facts which can be marshalled against him. 



o 



Should the plan here proposed be adopted, and 

 prove successful — to enumerate the proper measures 

 for a full development of the fisheries will be a work 

 of few words. Small piers, in localities which at 

 present have no harbours, will be a necessary re- 

 quirement ; and for this purpose there is at present, 

 we believe, in operation an Act of Parliament, toge- 



