366 MISCELLANEOUS 



sharp and sudden frost which had frozen over upper parts of the 

 Goose and Penguin Arms, an occurrence which, I am told, is unprece- 

 dented at this period of the season. 



The ice was from 4 to 6 inches thick and the fishermen were power- 

 less to recover their property. The Potomac spent all Saturday and 

 Sunday ice-breaking, which enabled many of the nets to be recovered, 

 but I fear a large number will be lost. This work, though, of course, 

 beneficial to American fishermen, was also of material assistance to 

 Newfoundland, so I took upon myself to thank Lieutenant Hinds on 

 behalf of the Newfoundland fishermen for his co-operation. 



As regards night fishing, I told the men that that was not for- 

 bidden, but only in abeyance by mutual consent; nevertheless I should 

 do all in my power to discourage the practice as tending to cause 

 trouble amongst fishermen generally. 

 I have, &c., 



R. H. ANSTRUTHEK, 



Senior Naval Officer, Newfoundland Fisheries. 



His Excellency Sir WM. MACGREGOR, K. C. M. G., C. B., c., 

 Governor of Newfoundland. 



Governor MacGregor to Lord Elgin. 



[Telegram.] 



(Received 11.45 p. m., December 29. 190G.) 

 I have to-day obtained information as follows: 



(1) Potomac sailed for United States America, 27th December; 

 Alexander remains at Bay of Islands. 



(2) Vessels at herring fishery 27th December, 41 American ships, 

 9 Canadian ships, besides Newfoundland vessels. 



(3) Cleared by Custom House, Bay of Islands, up to 27th Decem- 

 ber, 58,923 barrels of herring. 



(4) Shipped beyond three-miles 635 men; engagement at St. 

 Pierre, 23; at Sydney, 77. 



(5) Should the weather continue favourable, prospects of herring 

 fishery good, may be continued up to 15th January. 



(6) Relations of fishermen on friendly terms. 



(7) There was considerable cutting of fishing nets and gear, prin- 

 cipally American ships, against each other, but Newfoundland fisher- 

 men have suffered from this. 



(8) Potomac did good service Newfoundland fishermen during the 

 ice blockade about the middle of this month in releasing fishing nets 

 and fishing smacks when blocked by ice; Potomac broke the ice for 

 fishermen without distinction (of) nationality. 



(9) No more cases have been brought before Courts of Law against 

 Newfoundland fishermen. 



MACGREGOR. 



Lord Elgin to Governor MacGregor. 



DOWNING STREET, December W. 1906. 



SIR: I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch 

 of the 10th instant, forwarding copy of a letter from the Officer 



