of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



XV 



of acquiring motor fishing boats, and operations were commenced 

 before the close of the year. 



Other districts on the East Coast are also awakening to the possi- 

 bilities of the motor engine for small-line fishing boats, and it is 

 confidently expected that during the present year considerable exten- 

 sion will take place. 



Types of Motor Migines instcdled in 1912. 



For the largest type of boat the Gardner and Alpha engines appear 

 still to retain their popularity, but in the smaller classes the Kelvin 

 occupies first place, both on*the East and West Coasts, and, judging 

 from the numbers supplied, this engine is much ahead of other types 

 in the estimation of fishermen. While that is so, the other makes 

 have not been neglected, and a new name — the Grei — falls to be added 

 to the list given in previous Reports. 



The cost of engines has remained much the same as in previous 

 years, and the makers are generally prepared to accept payment by 

 instalments. As regards running expenses, these have increased 

 owing to the rise in the price of oil. The hope expressed in previous 

 Reports that engines adapted to the consumption of crude oil would 

 soon be constructed has, unfortunately, not yet materialised, and the 

 principal fuel is still paraffin. 



Earnings of Motor Boats. 



For the reasons given in former Reports, it is difficult to obtain 

 accurate information as to the earnings of fishermen, but careful 

 enquiry has been made and a comparison of the estimates received 

 from the principal districts where steam, motor, and sailing vessels are 

 employed at the principal herring fishings shows that, as before, the 

 earnings of motor boats are intermediate between those of steam 

 vessels and sailing boats. 



As illustrative of this statement, the earnings at the Scottish great 

 summer and the English herriiig fishings of the different classes of boats 

 of four districts from which estimates were obtained have been 

 summarised, with the following result : — 



Summer Herring English Herring 



Fishing. Fishing. 



Average Earnings. Average Earnings. 



Steam Drifters, £945 £790 



Motor „ 600 467 



Sail „ 406 300 



As regards the West Coast boats, the following figures have been 

 obtained from Campbeltown and Inveraray districts, and they may be 

 taken as reliable estimates of the earnings of the boats in those 

 districts : — 



p^^^g Gross Earnings per Pair. 



Campbeltown. Inveraray. 

 Motor Boats, ..." £840 to £2,100 ... £250 to £1,200 

 Motor and Sail Boat, 360 to 700 ... 200 to 600 

 Sail Boats, 60 to 300 



