MINORITY REPORT 235 



depletion in the Fraser River supply of salmon is 

 shown in the following official figures : The catch of 

 1903 was 62 per cent, less than in 1899; 1904 was 

 66 per cent, less than 1900 ; 1905 22 per cent, less 

 than 1902 ; 1907 38 per cent, less than 1903. 



To remedy this state of things, recommendations 

 were made with regard to netting and trapping, 

 which included a weekly close season at the mouth 

 of the Fraser River during " big " years — these 

 generally occur once in four, when the run of fish 

 is much above the average — a thirty-six hours' close 

 season in "poor" years. Outside the mouth of the 

 river a thirty-six hours' close season was proposed 

 for all years. 



A minority of the Commission made more drastic 

 recommendations, including a close season from 

 July 1st to September 15th, and the application of 

 the thirty-six hours' close season to the whole of the 

 river, and not limiting it to the mouth. Restrictions 

 in regard to the length and depth of nets were 

 advocated, and the absolute closing of the river from 

 August 25th to September 25th. 



The United States fishermen and canners, who 

 have rights in Puget Sound, had to be consulted 

 in regard to the proposed changes. An Act of 

 Parliament, acceptable to both parties, gave promise 

 of a fair settlement. But it only proved to be an 

 Act on paper. The fishermen on Puget Sound 

 ignored it, deeming it more profitable to pay the 



