54 
Irish Board, enabling them to make by-laws 
for the regulation or suspension of beam 
trawling, or of any other mode of fishing within 
territorial waters; and that a sum of money 
be granted annually by the Treasury for 
the purposes mentioned in the last paragraph. 
III. That a similar authority with similar powers be 
created for England, and that in the meantime 
those powers be conferred upon the Secretary 
of State or President of the Board of Trade. 
IV. That statutory powers and means be given to 
the fishery authorities to enable them to 
collect adequate statistics. 
V. That the cruisers serving under the Scotch 
Fishery Board, whether employed for police 
or scientific purposes, be replaced by efficient 
steam vessels. 
VI. That steam trawlers, besides having their 
number and letters painted on the bow, should 
also have them painted on the quarter. 
Considering this most recent report, it is evident that 
public sentiment in England, so far as it is expressed in 
the report of the Trawling Commission of 1885, is far 
in advance of public sentiment in this country in regard 
to the same subject. 
In conclusion, I desire to say, that in the discussion 
of this subject, I have aimed to avoid questions or 
occasions of controversy. I have sought to lay down 
the fundamental principles upon which it will be neces- 
sary to construct such legislation as may be found 
requisite to remedy actual or prevent impending de- 
crease in our fish supply. No one will dispute the 
power of the State, having in view the general interest, 
to prescribe such regulations as may be found expedient. 
It will be equally conceded that such power should be 
exercised with the utmost conservatism, and with due 
