AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 



1181 



being invariably prosecuted in the coves and small harbors along the 

 coasts. 



I never heard of a Newfoundland vessel prosecuting any fishery on 

 any of the coasts of the United States of America. American fishermen 

 have not sold any small codfish or other fishery produce in this neigh- 

 borhood. 



American vessels avail of the privilege to refit in our harbors, and 

 have done so in this harbor. I remember that the Tragabigzanda did so 

 refit his vessel at this port. It is quite certain that the supply of bait 

 to United States fishermen decreases the supply of bait to our local fish- 

 ermen. I am well aware that the presence of the large number of 

 United States fishermen fishing on the outer banks off our coasts well 

 supplied with fresh bait greatly interferes with and reduces the catch 

 of our local fishermen. Codfish strike our shores in quest of bait; 

 and if they meet fresh bait on the banks they will not pass it, but 

 will remain there as long as fresh bait is to be had. I do think that the 

 scarcity of codfish along our south and southwest coasts the past sum- 

 mer has been caused by Americans fishing on the outer Banks. Pre- 

 vious to the last three years the average catch of codfish in this harbor 

 was eighty qtls per man ; during the last two years it has not exceeded 

 twenty qtls. per man. The quantity of bait annually exported by craft 

 belonging to St. Lawrence and Lawn will average three thousand hhd., 

 for which the average price would be twenty-four thousand francs ; and 

 herrings taken in Fortune Bay by these same craft will average three 

 thousand barrels herrings, realizing eighteen thousand francs. There 

 are no ice-houses at this harbor for the preservation of fish -bait. 



HUGH VAVASSEUR, 



Preventive Officer. 



Sworn before me, at St. Lawrence, this fifth day Dec., 1876. 



J. O. FRASER, 

 Commissioner of Affidavits. 



No. 66. 



THOMAS WINTER, aged 01 years, subcollector H. M. customs, residing 

 at Burin, Newfoundland, maketh oath and saith : 



1 am acquainted with the fisheries of Newfoundland, by observation, 

 during a residence in this district for upward of twelve years. 



1 have observed a large number of United States fishermen in this 

 neighborhood, about sixty in 1875 and twelve or thirteen the past sum- 

 mer. Of those in this neighborhood in 1876 I can name the following, 

 viz : 



These vessels came here for ice and bait. 



Every United States vessel calling in this neighborhood systemati- 

 cally arranged to avoid the customs authorities, and their captains and 



