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and extending from the Slievegrine mountain to the shore. Besides a 

 large scattered population, this parish contains the three fishing villages 

 of Helvick, Ballinagoul, and Ringagoonah, peopled by between two and 

 three thousand persons, a hardy race, depending chiefly for their sup- 

 port upon fishing. Supplies of food were sent to them, but the Society 

 soon became sensible, that although gratuitous relief was indispensable 

 to save the famishing, unless assistance by means of industrial employ- 

 ment could be rendered, little, if any, permanent benefit would be 

 effected.* To induce the fishermen to resume their accustomed occupa- 

 tion, which besides affording profitable employment, would likewise 

 bring in an additional supply of cheap nutritious food, it was suggested 

 that perhaps loans, to be repaid by small weekly instalments, might be 

 a judicious mode of assisting them. The Rev. Mr. Alcock, the philan- 

 thropic promoter of the relief, undertook to give his personal co-opera- 

 tion, but at the same time expressed a fear as to repayment, for the 

 fishermen were so reduced to poverty, as to have parted with their 

 nets and gear to buy food, and some of them had even burned the 

 oars of their boats, for want of other fuel. 



' So many unsuccessful attempts,' as is remarked in the plain state- 

 ment of the proceedings adopted, (' Facts from the Fisheries,' Waterford, 

 8vo., 1848,) ' have been made in years past, to promote and encourage 

 the Irish Fisheries, that in making a fresh effort of this nature, the 

 Committee considered it needful to commence upon a very moderate 

 scale; and in forming regulations for conducting it, to be principally 

 guided by those fundamental principles which so powerfully and uni- 

 versally influence human action. 



I With these views, although the crews of upwards of one hundred 

 fishing boats were anxious to obtain assistance, it was concluded to be 

 the wiser and more prudent course, to begin only with fifteen ; it being 

 at the time intimated to the others, that if these proceeded satisfac- 

 torily, and paid up regularly, the number would be increased. 



* In selecting these cases, previous good conduct, sobriety, and in- 

 dustry, were to be the recommendations ; and thus at the outset, cha- 

 racter, and not mere destitution, was established, and quickly under- 

 stood to be the passport to favour. 



' The loans, varying from 10.9. to 3, were to be expended solely for 

 the repair of boats, and providing fishing apparatus; and whilst pro- 

 visions were high-priced, a small weekly allowance of meal, as sea 

 store, was given gratis, to each boat's crew, for a short period. 



' One month after the loan was made, repayment was to commence 

 in weekly instalments of not less than sixpence in the pound. The 

 sums thus received, it was announced, would be immediately re-lent to 

 other parties; and the persons assisted were therefore encouraged to 

 do their part in benefiting their neighbours, by paying in a greater sum 



II ' The Society of Friends, eminently prominent in their judicious and bene- 

 volent efforts to alleviate the distresses of the people, directed their attention to 

 the Fisheries ; and in all cases where their proceedings were under the control 

 of their own managers, or where they had the good fortune to find judicious 

 administrators of their bounty, permanent good results have followed. 



The indefatigable exertions of the Rev. Mr. Alcock at Helvick Head, aided 

 by Mr. Strangman of Waterford, and Lord Stuart de Decies, have produced an 

 establishment which deserves to be ranked very high on our list.' Report of 

 Inspecting Commissioners, 1849. 



