68 
BAIT PROHIBITION ENACTED. 
In 1886 the Legislature of Newfoundland, naturally alarmed 
at the commercial outlook, appointed a Select Committee “to 
“ consider the subject of the capture and sale of bait.” This 
Committee reported to the effect that the “possession of fresh 
“ bait ” was essential to the prosecution of the Bank fishery; that 
the French were by their bounties unfairly competing with 
Newfoundland fish in foreign markets; and that an Act to pro- 
hibit the sale or exportation of bait should forthwith be enacted. 
Accordingly, a Bait Act was enacted ; but it was not to come into 
effect until after the 31st of December, 1886, in order that the 
.French might have due notice, and the action of the colony not 
be deemed one of harshness or unjustifiable provocation to a 
nation at peace with Great Britain. The reasons for this measure 
were very ably set forth in the beginning of 1887 by the then 
Governor of Newfoundland, Sir George William Des Vceux, now 
Governor of Hong Kong. From his statesmanlike despatch to 
the Secretary of State for the Colonies the following extracts are 
made :— 
Governor Sir G. Wm. Des Veuw to Colonial Office. 
(Copy, No. 2.] 
“ GoverRNMENT Hovsz, Sr. Jonn’s, 
“¢ NEWFOUNDLAND, 14th January, 1887. 
“‘ Srr,—In view of the great anxiety existing in this colony 
“ with regard to the fate of the Bill ‘to Regulate the Exportation 
“ ¢of Herring, Caplin, Squid, and other Bait Fishes,” which passed 
“the Local Legislature in the session of last year, and was 
“ reserved by me for the signification of Her Majesty’s pleasure, 
“J feel bound to accede to the desire of My ministers that I 
“ should make another effort to obtain from Her Majesty's 
“ Government a decision favourable to the desires of the 
“¢ colonists. : 
«2. The more complete knowledge of the position of affairs 
‘‘ which I have acquired during the six months that have elapsed 
“ since I first addressed your predecessor with regard to this Bill, 
“ and the fuller consideration which in the meantime I have had 
