PROTECTION OF DEEP SEA FISHERIES. 443 



appears to be the desire of the Board of Trade, let it be 

 done properly, or else let the present system of verbal 

 agreements continue. 



Clause 7 refers to salvage. 



Clause 8 fixes the time allowed for settlement at the end 

 of the voyage, but it does not state by whom. Is the 

 salesman, who has sold the fish, or the owner responsible ? 

 Suppose at the end of a three months' voyage the salesman 

 fails, and the owner loses his share, are the shares or 

 partnership accounts of the remainder of the crew to be 

 deemed " wages," and taken from the first charge on the 

 vessel and gear belonging to the owner, who has already 

 lost his share ? Surely not. But if formal agreements 

 are to be made compulsory, these difficulties must be faced 

 and cleared up. A legal definition of this wages, share and 

 part-share system is desirable, for it is an exceptional 

 system. It is not piecework, nor partnership proper, but 

 payment by very uncertain results. 



Clause 9 is left for deductions agreed on to be inserted. 



Clause 10 is a space for any stipulations to be inserted to 

 which the parties agree, which are not contrary to law. 

 These would be very considerable, if stipulations were 

 inserted to amend the previous part of this agreement, and 

 an extra sheet of paper would be necessary. 



Clause II provides that "if any member of the crew 

 considers himself aggrieved by any breach of the agreement, 

 or otherwise, he shall represent the same to the master or 

 officer in charge of the ship in a quiet, orderly manner, who 

 shall thereupon take such steps as the case may require." 

 But suppose he does not " take such steps," or the grievance 

 is not set right, what further remedy or appeal is provided 

 for the aggrieved? None at all. The course for the 

 aggrieved is then to desert, or rather to " refuse to obey 



