232 



Appendices to Twenty -ninth Annual Report 



The great-line fishing was almost entirely neglected at Campbeltown 

 during the year. Several shots were tried during the early spring, but fish 

 appeared very scarce, and many of the crews who usually work at the cod 

 fishing, after fitting out, preferred to continue at the herring fishing. The 

 catch of cod at Campbeltown was therefore considerably less than during the 

 previous year. The cod fishing at Gigha, in striking contrast, was the best 

 for a considerable number of years past. Fish were more plentiful on the 

 inshore grounds, and steam trawlers were not in evidence to the same extent 

 as for some years past. To this fact the fishermen attribute largely the 

 success which was obtained. The saithe fishing at the Mull of Kintyre was 

 fairly successful, but it only lasted for a very short period. 



Small-line fishing was less successful than for many years past, both 

 haddocks and whitings, particularly the former, being very scarce. For 

 several years haddocks have been showing a gradual falling off, and in 1910 

 the continued decline has been more marked than usual. During the last 

 three months of the year the landings were exceptionally poor. Whitings 

 also show a considerable decrease, but not to the same extent as haddocks. 

 Practically all the haddocks and whitings landed were sold in the localities 

 where they were caught, the average price being about 17s. 9d. per cwt. 



The catch of plaice was also considerably less, the decrease amounting to 

 182 cwts. and ,£157 in the quantity and value respectively as compared with 

 the returns for 1909. Lobster fishing was carried on successfully, and the 

 results compare favourably with the previous year's catch. Much depends 

 on the weather as to the success or otherwise of this branch of the industry 

 in this district, as most of the creeks where lobster fishing is prosecuted are 

 greatly exposed, stormy weather causing fishing operations to be suspended 

 often for many weeks in succession. 



The greater part of the herrings caught in the district were, as in former 

 years, bought at sea and conveyed direct to market, chiefly to Glasgow, by 

 the herring carrying steamers. Fish buyers at Campbeltown and Carradale 

 had an exceptionally poor year owing to the small quantity of herrings landed. 



More herrings were cured than in 1909, but curing is seldom carried on to 

 any extent. An East Coast firm made an attempt to establish a curing station 

 at Campbeltown during the past summer, but the attempt was futile, and it 

 is doubtful if it will be repeated. Unfortunately, a worse year could scarcely 

 have been selected for the purpose. 



Notwithstanding the backwardness of the fishing, there was a large increase 

 in the number of motor engines installed into local craft. At the close of 

 1909 the total number of boats propelled by auxiliary motor power in the 

 district was 18, and there are now 40, showing an increase of 22 motor-pro- 

 pelled boats during the past 12 months. The "Kelvin" motor is most in 

 evidence, 35 of the motors being " Kelvin," 4 " Thornycroft," and 1 " Barcar." 

 The initial cost of the improved "Kelvin" is about <£74, of the "Thorny- 

 croft" £95, and of the "Barcar" £85. There is no doubt of the immense 

 advantage the motor boats have over sailing craft, and a still further exten- 

 sion of this mode af propulsion is assured. 



Boat- builders had a poor year, only one fishing boat being built within the 

 limits of the district, and at the close of the year prospects were no better. 



The loss of fishing gear was about normal, and was estimated at slightly 

 less than in 1909. 



Unfortunately, two fishermen, one belonging to Campbeltown and one to 

 Carradale, lost their lives in connection with the fisheries, both through 

 falling overboard. 



All the fishery barometers were examined during the year and were found 

 in good order. 



Fishery Office, 

 Campbeltown, ^th January 1911 



MuNRO Johnston, 



Fishery Officer. 



