1220 AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 



quantity of squids taken by them from this place last year would be over 

 500 barrels. 



Newfoundland fishermen catch codfish generally within two and three 

 miles of the shore. The herrings, caplin, and squids, caught for bait, 

 are each taken close to shore. 



I never heard of a Newfoundland vessel having prosecuted any fishery 

 on any of the coasts or shores of the United States of America. 



I have heard that United States fishing crews have sold small fish and 

 cod-oil in this neighborhood, and that they did sell such produce here 

 and at Harbor Maine. I purchased oil myself from them in payment of 

 squids. The price of oil as paid by me was two shillings and fourpence 

 per gallon. 



The large supply of fresh bait used by United States fishermen on the 

 Banks 1 fully believe tends to keep codfish from striking towards our 

 shores, and thus affects the catch of local fishermen injuriously. 



The punt fishery in this neighborhood has been much reduced the last 

 two years. American captaius told me that they did not know anything 

 about Conception Bay for baiting purposes until last year, but that they 

 found it the most convenient place to procure bait of any other they 

 knew, and that they intended in future largely to avail of it for the pur- 

 pose of procuring bait. Conception Bay is freer from dangers in ap- 

 proaching it than most bays, and has comparatively little fog, of which 

 American captains spoke approvingly. 



PHILIP LEWIS. 



Sworn before me, at Holyrood. Newfoundland, this 24th April, 1877. 



J. O. ERASER, 

 Commissioner of Affidavits. 



JOHN VEITCH, aged 39 years, telegraph operator, residing at Holy- 

 rood, Nfld., maketh oath and saith: 



I was present when Philip Lewis made the above statement, and ex- 

 cepting the part referring to the number of vessels at this harbor last 

 year, I know the statement to be true in every particular. I saw five 

 or six United States fishing-vessels here, but heard of a large number 

 that I did not see. United States vessels regularly refit in this neighbor- 

 hood. I sold one of these vessels flour that they were short of. 



JOHN VEITCH. 



Sworn before me, at Holyrood, Nfld., this 24th April, 1877. 



J. O. ERASER, 

 Commissioner of Affidavits. 



No. 101. 



EDWARD O'BRIEN, aged 49 years, constable, residing at Cats Cove 

 Newfoundland, maketh oath and saith : 



I know the fisheries of Newfoundland from following the same since 

 I was a boy, until ten years ago. 



I have observed a number of United States fishing-vessels in this 

 neighborhood last year, and the year previous there were five or six in 

 Salmon Cove. 



I saw a large number of these vessels at Holyrood, Belle Isle, Northern 

 Gut, and in the offing in this bay. The vessels referred to came here 

 for fresh bait, which they purchased and caught as best they could. 

 The supply of bait to United States schooners decreases the supply to 

 our local fishermen. I ain of decided opinion that the presence of the 



