136 



1,800 in erecting a commodious pier there for the safety and accommo- 

 dation of the fishing boats. The preparations for commencing this useful 

 work are now in a state of much forwardness; and it is hoped a con- 

 siderable portion of it will be completed during the present year.' 

 ******** 



f In submitting these preliminary observations, with the annexed 

 Reports, to the notice of the public, the Auxiliary Committee enter- 

 tain the hope, that efforts of a similar nature may be made on other 

 parts of the coast, the main points to be kept in view, being simply 

 to begin on a moderate scale; to select the persons to be assisted from 

 among the most deserving, rather than the most destitute; and to 

 frame the regulations so as to make it the interest of all parties to 

 adhere to and maintain them. 



. ' The Committee further indulge the expectation, that a perusal of 

 these pages may arrest the attention of some influential members of the 

 Legislature, and promote the speedy removal of the prejudicial and im- 

 politic restrictions, which debar the poor Irish fishermen from the free 

 use and consequent advantages of the valuable kinds of net which are 

 in profitable and unrestrained operation in England and elsewhere. 



'Much has been said about encouraging the Irish Fisheries; but 

 every reflecting mind must at once perceive, that until there is freedom 

 of action for catching the fish, as well as security for the vessels en- 

 gaged in it, by the construction of piers in suitable places, it is almost 

 hopeless to expect any great extension, or permanent improvement, in 

 this valuable branch of national industry. 

 ' WATERFORD, 8th Month, 21st, 1848.' 



The above remarks were drawn up by the Committee of the Society 

 of Friends. A perusal will reward the reader of the reports accom- 

 panying them, from the Rev. Mr. Alcock, the director of this successful 

 mode of relieving his maritime parishioners. The simple narrative 

 describes the pride and increased exertion of the fishermen at the pub- 

 licity of their success ; the general gratitude for the allocation of funds 

 to build a safety pier; the improvements arising in the neighbourhood, 

 such as the establishment of a curing station by two natives of Scot- 

 land; and the improved physical and moral aspect of the industrious 

 inhabitants. 



THE BRITISH FISHERY SOCIETY. Many suggestions will be found in 

 the Report and Appendix of 1836 as to the formation of a similar 

 association in Ireland. From these the following may be extracted. 



1 The Government grant of 9,000 for the harbour, laid the founda- 

 tion of the improvements at Wick; and that grant would have been 

 given as in other instances, to any individual or body, who would 

 comply with the conditions of investing a similar amount in the work. 

 Beyond this the society have sunk no money here; and their feu from 

 Lord Duffers will ultimately be, and is now, a profitable bargain their 

 sub-feuars and tenants having improved and ameliorated the estate. 

 If in Ireland there is a good and ascertained fishing station, but where' 

 from want of harbour and other necessary accommodations, the fishery 

 cannot be carried on to a tenth of the extent it would otherwise be, 

 and that the lord of the manor is unable or unwilling to make those 



