462 INTERNATIONAL LAWS FOR THE 



curers might have the opportunity of establishing brands 

 of their own, and thus not be suddenly affected by its 

 abolition, either individually or collectively. 



That after the fish have once been landed and changed 

 hands, no Government restrictions should hamper the 

 curers, but that they may deal with the fish where, when, 

 and how they like. 



That the Fishery Board should be made a truly national 

 department, by having officers practically acquainted with 

 the trade at every port for statistical and other purposes, 

 to make periodical reports to headquarters on lines to be 

 laid down, and generally to apply themselves for the benefit 

 of the fisheries, and the social condition of fishermen and 

 apprentices, in a similar manner to factory inspectors. 



But, on the other hand, if the brand is to be retained, 

 let the present system be altered, and no parcel of fish be 

 branded without having been inspected by three officers 

 at the same time, so that the Government may be pre- 

 pared to back up what it professes to guarantee. Make 

 it a penal offence for any one who shall " top up " herrings, 

 or wilfully do anything calculated to mislead the branding 

 officers. 



Irish fisheries. Next to be considered is the present way in which the 

 fisheries are supervised in Ireland. 



In the year 1868 the supervision of the sea and inland 

 fisheries of Ireland was transferred to the Lord Lieutenant 

 of Ireland. This supervision is carried out by means of 

 three inspectors, to each of whom the supervision of a 

 district is intrusted. There is no organised statistical depart- 

 ment. Returns for statistical purposes are voluntarily made 

 by the various collectors of customs and coastguard officers, 

 and are only approximate. This is not really satisfactory, 

 but it is all that the inspectors have on which to base the 



