230 



Appendices to Twenty-ninth Annual Report 



For the first time in the history of Mallaig as a fishing port, steamers par- 

 ticipated in a winter herring fishing. During January and February a few 

 steamers landed nearly 5000 crans at Mallaig, and in some instances made 

 quite remarkable earnings for the time employed. The chief fishing grounds 

 were off Skerryvore and Heisker lighthouses, while some heavy shots were 

 brought from the Irish coast, conspicuous among them being one of 148 

 crans, which realised 28s. 6d. per crau, by the "Rose III." of Buckie, On 

 the first day of February seven steamers landed the high average of 123 

 crans. 



Unfortunately, the early summer herring fishing was again rather unpro- 

 ductive. The first trials made by a considerable fieet were disappointing, 

 and reports of a successful fishing in Shetland soon reduced the fleet to a few 

 sail-boats, and thus rendered the ultimate result a foregone conclusion. With 

 the somewhat uncertain and irregular fishing ruling on the East Coast, a few 

 steamers were again in this district early in August and met with good 

 results. During August and September the quantity landed was almost 

 equal to that for the summer fishing, while the value was greater, and only 

 a few boats participated. One steamer which elected to work on the West 

 Coast in preference to following the rush to England earned almost .£1200. 

 The average price realised per cran at Mallaig during January and February 

 was 21s., during May and June 19s., and during August and September 

 31s. 3d. 



Two firms were again engaged in kippering at IMallaig, and treated a 

 greater quantity than during 1909. 



Curing operations were again confined to Mallaig, and, with the increased 

 landings, the number of barrels cured shows a decided advance on the 

 previous year's total. I^o direct exportations were made, the bulk going 

 overland to Leith and Glasgow for transhipment to the Continent and 

 America. 



Only one vessel cleared for curing at sea, and secured a fair cargo in the 

 Skye district. 



The success of the great-line fishing from Mallaig continued, largely 

 helped, no doubt, by the substitution of steamers for sail-boats. A fleet of 

 over 30 vessels operated from Mallaig with great-lines, half of which were 

 steamers. Isotwithstanding the unfavourable nature of the weather, some 

 record earnings were obtained. Most of the steamers had remunerative 

 seasons, while the sail boats experienced one of the worst for years. Owing 

 to the broken weather conditions, prices maintained a good level, and bait 

 supplies were generally good and reasonable in price. Except in the inshore 

 waters, fish were evidently found as plentiful as ever. Bait bills ran up to 

 £56 for the season's work. Earnings for steamers ranged from .£300 to 

 £720, the latter being the best total reached in the history of Mallaig. 

 Sail-boat earnings were low, and ranged from £100 to £170. Little was 

 done at great-line fishing elsewhere in the district. 



Cod-net fishing results were again very moderate, and show a considerable 

 reduction at Mallaig. 



The value of the shell fisheries shows a slight advance on the figures for 

 last year. The creek of Ulva again shows the best results. 



Owing to the comparative success of the trawlers working from Oban 

 during the summer of 1909, the number operating in 1910 was increased. 

 For a short time 11 boats were employed. This number proved too great 

 for the limited waters, and fish became scarce, resulting in the reduction of 

 the vessels employed. The total landings show an increase on those of 1909, 

 but individual boats did not do so well as during the previous year. 



During the year the Railway Company decided on another attempt to 

 develop Oban as a landing port. With this end in view, a space some 300 

 feet by 80 feet was enclosed and laid down in concrete, the intention being 

 to utilise it for the curing of herrings. 



