326 



only be received young, and it is gradually learned whilst 

 apprenticed. The sooner the Act is altered the better it will 

 be, for no better nursery for the navy can there be than 

 the trawl fishery, as the history of the days of Nelson and 

 Drake will tell. 



Time will not allow me to go into the working of this 

 business any further than I have done in a light manner, 

 skimming as it were but a little from the surface. His 

 Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has placed valuable 

 facts before the world, and it is only for me in the main to 

 corroborate the statements made by that illustrious sailor. 



If we review the past and look at the forward prospect, 

 we cannot doubt, but that, with the recognition it is now 

 receiving and with judicious help, there is a great future 

 for trawling. The gradual tendency is towards steam, by 

 the help of which longer distances can be gone. So with 

 good harbour or dock accommodation and cheap railway 

 rates, combined with the application of steam and ice, there is 

 nothing to prevent the extension of the trade beyond its 

 present proportions, by as great advance in the next 

 quarter of a century as it has made in the past. May we 

 hope for such success in abundance, that these " toilers of 

 the sea," by bringing in its harvest, may enrich themselves 

 by doirg good to others. 



DISCUSSION. 



The CHAIRMAN, n inviting discussion on the Paper, said 

 he should like to call attention to one point, and that was 

 as to the size of the mesh. Perhaps Mr. Sims, as a practical 

 trawler, would say something. 



Mr. SlMS said that after the very excellent way in which 

 Mr. Ansell had handled the subject it was unnecessary for 



