474 INTERNATIONAL LAWS FOR THE 



after as the weather will permit, or to effect the repairs at 

 seasons when no drift-fishing is being prosecuted in the 

 localities where the cables are laid. 



ADDENDA (2). 



Fisheries Since this essay was drafted, an inquiry into the sea 



fishing trade generally has been held by order of the 

 President of the Board of Trade, on the following grounds : 



First. In consequence of questions and difficulties that 

 have arisen. 



Secondly. In consequence of cases of cruelty to boys 

 on fishing vessels which have been brought to light. 



The former fully bears out what has been remarked in 

 this essay, and its introduction shows that the Board of 

 Trade, as at present constituted, is not conversant to any- 

 great extent with the fishing trade, or at all events not 

 sufficiently so, as to be able to legislate for it successfully. 

 It also shows that the abolition of imprisonment for deser- 

 tion was effected regardless of the interests of the trade or 

 its effects upon it, and solely, as the President told the 

 deputation that waited on him on the question, because 

 trades unions did not approve of it. He evidently tried to 

 humour the trades unions, who know nothing of the extra- 

 ordinary circumstances under which the fishing trade is 

 carried on, regardless of the damage and loss which would 

 accrue to the trade and nation. Having taken this hasty 

 step, he afterwards appointed a committee to inquire into 

 " the general regulations and customs under which the 

 fishing trade is worked at the present time." Had this 

 been done at first, it would have shown a much more sincere 

 desire to benefit the trade, and is only what any trade has 



