142 KINGSBRIDGE 



under his control, and mariners would be legally compelled 

 to ask his permission before anchoring their ships, or to 

 enter over his ground. Such an assumption of authority 

 would prevent dredging for scallops and netting by the 

 fishermen of Salcombe, and a very large number of them 

 would thus be thrown out of employment, especially in 

 winter. Capt. Hill having pointed out the disastrous conse- 

 quences of the granting of the application, proposed the 

 following resolution: 'That, having regard to the com- 

 mercial and shipping interests of the port of Salcombe, this 

 meeting considers that the application of Captain Jonathan 

 Russell to the Board of Trade for an oyster and mussel 

 fishery, from Keeve Mud to Salcombe Ferry, would be most 

 injurious to those having charge of the harbour, as well 

 as to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood.' 



Rev. T. B. Wells remarked that it had been an un- 

 interrupted privilege throughout generations for the in- 

 habitants to dredge in the river for oysters and scallops. 

 £500 worth of scallops were caught during the winter 

 of 1869. He proposed 'That this meeting uses every 

 legitimate means to oppose the establishment of oyster 

 and mussel fisheries in Salcombe river.' 



Capt. Sladen moved 'That a memorial be prepared, pe- 

 titioning against the grant, that the memorial be taken 

 round to the inhabitants of the district for their signatures, 

 and then forwarded to the Board of Trade; also, that a 

 copy be sent to Capt. Russell.' 



These resolutions were seconded and carried." 



Notwithstanding the universal feeling against this measure, 

 and the general belief that, if carried out, it would be a 

 serious injury to the neighbourhood, the Board of Trade 

 decided on " granting to Mr. Russell a several oyster and 



