32 IMPROVED FISHERY HARBOUR ACCOMMODATION 



materially augmented by the gradual decay of the pier, a 

 wooden structure, apparently intended to last only for 

 a time, until sufficient funds should be available for the 

 construction of works of more abiding materials." 



Mr. Edward Hain, Junior, a resident at St. Ives, wrote a 

 very important letter in connection with this subject, which 

 appeared in the Cornish Times, April 5, 1883. Amongst 

 other matters he states : " There are now in St. Ives pier over 

 100 boats, equipped for the spring mackerel fishery, equal 

 to 35,000, entirely at the mercy of any gale of wind from 

 N.E. to S.E., and should such a gale arise, the destruction 

 of property would be very considerable, an -i a large number 

 of men might be prevented from earnin^ livelihood during 

 the best season of the year. They are afraid in many 

 instances to venture to sea, lest a gale should spring up on 

 the low water, and find them without shelter. Thus many 

 thousands of pounds are lost to the fishermen themselves, 

 and a valuable food supply lost to the nation." 



The question of harbour accommodation at St. Ives has 

 been agitated for nearly 1 50 years. 



" In 1776, Smeaton, reporting on the practicability of 

 making St. Ives Harbour safe for ships in all winds, con- 

 cluded by saying, ' In short, every circumstance seems to 

 invite the completing this harbour for the safety of ships, 

 when nature has been so bountiful.' " 



" In 1847, Captain Vetch, R.E., sent to the Admiralty a 

 most exhaustive and valuable report in favour of a harbour 

 of refuge in St. Ives Bay. Several other reports from 

 eminent engineers have been given to the same effect, and 

 the Select Committee of the House of Commons in 1858 

 endorsed those opinions, and recommended that a grant of 

 public money be made for the purpose of building the 

 required harbour, but nothing has yet been done." 



