70 



Under this latter consideration, the entire Recommendations 

 of 1836, (see Chap. XII.,) would seem to deserve further atten- 

 tion than the Board, as it will appear, deems them entitled to. It 

 might also be imagined that, from the same motive, even fuller 

 and more defined means of encouragement would be desirable 

 than were thought expedient or advantageous at that period. 



" There is, as has been frequently reported, in many places a 

 want of suitable boats, fishing gear, and boat tackle ; in others, 

 a want of suitable habitations and other convenient buildings 

 for the fishermen ; both of which deficiencies militate against 

 the productiveness of the adjacent fisheries ; and well-inten- 

 tioned persons, with laudable zeal, seeing the deficiency, pro- 

 pose now, as has often been done before, that Government 

 should interpose and apply a remedy. We, on the contrary, 

 regard these as " effects," not " causes ;" as suitable objects 

 for the exercise of private enterprise, local assistance, or even, 

 in some instances, of that of benevolent societies. But from 

 experience, we look upon the direct interposition of the Govern- 

 ment, or a Government Board, in such matters of detail, as 

 directly injurious to the trade." 



There can be no doubt of the soundness of this opinion 

 with respect to direct interposition, but by certain indirect 

 methods, many matters of much service in promoting the success 

 of the fishermen might be arrived at, as it will be endeavoured 

 to be shown. For example, the custom of repairing poor men's 

 boats in Scotland, (see remarks in Appendix,) is equally appli- 

 cable and useful to the wants of our fishermen. 



" It appears to us, that the Sea Fisheries are likely to derive 

 more benefit from measures directly intended to benefit other 

 interests, than from almost any measures of direct interference 

 with these fisheries. 



" With a view to the permanent improvement of the fisheries, 

 and exclusive of the exceptional cases of existing famine, we 

 would propose that direct Government interference be confined 

 " 1st. To the maintenance of peace and order among the 

 fishermen, and matters immediately connected therewith. 

 " 2ndly. To the provision of suitable public accommoda- 

 tion and protection, by harbours, landing-places, and 

 roads for the persons engaged in the trade ; and, 

 " 3rdly. To any assistance which can be given through 

 existing establishments, to promote practical education 

 in the habits, modes of capture, and curing of fish." 

 Of these three points of suggestion, the first-mentioned is a 

 primary duty ; the second has always been recognised as one 

 in which aid from the public purse is required according to the 

 necessities of each case. The last, therefore, is the only one in 

 which any interposition not hitherto acknowledged is advised. 



