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Appendices to Thirty-jirst Annual Report 



consequence of the increase in catch, and the demand which latterly 

 sprung up from Yarmouth, coopers found steady employment. But 

 for the introduction of machinery into this branch of the industry, it 

 woukl be ahnost impossible to meet the sudden demands which occa- 

 sionally arise for empty packages for the reception of the fish. It may 

 be mentioned that, although the wood and workmanship of the barrels 

 manufactured during the past few years have been very satisfactory, 

 manufacturers would be well advised to see that the maximum thick- 

 ness of stave is maintained. Very much depends on the stability of 

 the package, and it behoves the trade to make every effort in this 

 direction. 



Of all the branches of the fishing industry, the great summer herring 

 fishing prosecuted on the East Coast and at Orkney and Shetland, in 

 which 1232 steamers and about 1750 sail boats were employed, is by 

 far the most important. As showing the extent of the industry, it 

 may be mentioned that annually about 55,000 persons are employed 

 therein. 



Next in order of importance come trawling, lining, cod net, 

 mackerel, and sprat fishing. 



In many respects, the herring fishing season of 1912 differed con- 

 siderably from former years, particularly as regards its early com- 

 mencement, the good quality of the fish, high prices, clear markets, 

 and also the good demand on the Continent for the cured article. 



With a view to preventing a recurrence of the severe losses sustained 

 in 1911 through the early fishing and the landings of immature fish, 

 which were profitable neither to fishermen, curer, nor buyer, it was 

 agreed upon by the Fishermen's Association at the close of that sea- 

 son that the date of commencement should be the 10th June. This 

 date, however, was not observed. A general start was made on 1st 

 June, although the resolution delayed a number of boats from being 

 fitted out so early. 



In the herring trade seldom are two seasons alike, but the old maxim 

 of cold weather and poor herrings was this season upset. The quality 

 of the early herrings caught in June was a decided improvement on 

 that of those landed during the same period in 1911. They were 

 stronger, healthier, and better scaled fish than are usually caught on 

 the East Coast in June. 



From the hour they struck the nets until they were in cure, the cold 

 weather contributed materially towards their preservation. In July 

 and August a further improvement in quality was observed, with the 

 result that the landings gave the highest satisfaction. One noticeable 

 feature in connection with the quality was the large proportion of un- 

 developed fish landed, as compared with former years. Even towards 

 the close of the season, shoals of herrings contained fish which were 

 only partially filled with milt and roe. The fish were caught on the 

 near as well as on the offshore grounds. The appearance of so many 

 of these herrings on the coast during the past two or three seasons has 

 become a matter regarding which various theories have been advanced, 

 but doubtless their landing in such large quantities is almost entirety 

 due to the early commencement of the fishing. 



From the very commencement of the season prices manifested an up- 

 ward tendency, due largely to the good quality, and the shortage in the 

 catch of other countries. In June, the price was as low as 10s. per 

 cran, while the weekly average price on several occasions in August 

 was from 28s. to 32s., and in Shetland it reached 35s. per cran. The 

 average price for the whole of Scotland shows an advance of 4s. 8d. per 

 cran as compared with the previous season. 



Owing to the good demand which prevailed on the Continent for 



