290 Proceedings, &c.,foT 1886. 



land Islands, within ten days' sail of the fishing ground, where 

 there are good harbours, easy of access, and where plenty of fresh 

 provisions and good water are obtainable. Thus it will be seen that 

 the length of time which would be occupied by such a voyage would 

 not exceed that which is required for an ordinary whaling voyage 

 from Britain to Davis Straits. The vessels which we think would 

 be most suitable for the undertaking should be propelled by auxihary 

 engines of 120-horse power nominal. 



We submit a statement which we have prepared, showing our 

 estimates of the return which might be looked for by the employ- 

 ment of two such vessels as we have recommended, and what we 

 think may be fairly calculated on as the result of a prosperous 

 voyage, in which we have been careful to state fully the cost of the 

 ships and the expenses of the voyage, and to estimate the value of 

 the produce at moderate rates. 



It may naturally be inquired why these fishing grounds, of which 

 we have spoken in terms of such commendation as easy of access, 

 and likely, on proper trial, to prove productive, have been so long, 

 and still continue, comparatively unfruitful. On this point it is 

 proper that we should report that in the year 1840 Mr. Enderby, of 

 London, a merchant, whose name is honourably associated with 

 Antarctic discovery, obtained from Government a grant of the 

 Auckland Islands, situated to the southward of l^ew Zealand, in 

 order that they might serve for the location of an establishment for 

 prosecuting the whale fishery, for which such a situation appears to 

 be well adapted. From adverse circumstances, combined, we 

 believe, with the fact that sufficient provision had not been made for 

 the amount of capital requisite for the complete prosecution of the 

 undertaking, it proved unsuccessful, and was abandoned after a 

 single trial. We obtained an account of the proceedings of this 

 enterprise, which seems to have led those engaged in it to conclude 

 that the fishery had been fairly tried by them, and had proved a 

 failure. But when it is considered that the vessel which was 

 engaged in it left port on the 27th December, and returned on 22nd 

 January following, after a lapse of only twenty-six days, it will be 

 apparent that the effort had not been prosecuted with sufficient 

 energy and perseverance to justify such a conclusion. The project 

 has, however, been recently revived in a practical form in Otago, 

 and the proximity of the shores of llTew Zealand to the fishing 

 ground offers advantages which, it is hoped, may lead to its success. 

 But there is still time, and, we believe, a field of ample extent, 

 where properly equipped vessels, commanded by experienced masters, 

 and manned by qualified men, may achieve the success which rarely 

 fails to attend well-directed efforts of British enterprise. 



(Signed) David Gray, John Gray. 

 Peterhead, N.B., January, 1874. 



