xxxvi 



Twenty-ninth Annual Report 



the problem is, it need not be enquired into here. Speaking generally, 

 however, it may be stated that the tendency is to build larger and 

 more powerful vessels, whereby more distant and fruitful grounds are 

 brought within the range of trawling operations, while the introduction 

 of the big-bosomed ground rope now permits of trawling being 

 conducted on rougher ground than was the case some years ago. 



The average price per cwt. realised for trawled fish declined steadily 

 from 1905 to 1908, since when it has increased, and it is gratifying to 

 observe that in 1910 it had risen to 10s. 6d. per cwt., an increase of 

 Is. 5d. per cwt. upon the average for 1908, when prices reached their 

 lowest ebb. The depression during the period 1907-09 rendered the 

 industry during those years very unprofitable — so much so, indeed, 

 that many vessels had to be laid up during the summer months, and 

 the forebodings of those who maintained that thi3 trawling fleet was 

 too large, and that its regular employment would result in a permanent 

 condition of over-production, appeared to be well-grounded. Happily 

 the year 1910 completely falsified these predictions. The quantity of 

 white-fish landed from all sources in that year was the highest in the 

 history of the port, but this notwithstanding, the supply was never in 

 excess of the demand, with the result that the record catch was 

 disposed of at remunerative prices. 



Except in 1905, liners realised from 7d. to 4s. 3d. per cwt. more for 

 their catches during the period than did trawlers, a circumstance 

 which is accounted for by the fact that the catches of the latter 

 contain a larger proportion of inferior fish than do those of liners. 



The following statements illustrate the detailed character of the 

 statistics compiled at Aberdeen, cod and codling being distinguished, 

 as well as the various sizes of haddocks and plaice : — 



[Table. 



