of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



197 



advantage, for only a small portion of the catch was branded or could 

 pass inspection under the Board's regulations. Small curers, therefore, 

 who largely depend upon the brand, must have had a difficulty in making 

 ends meet, for the prices in the cured market, though high, did no more 

 than balance the high rates which were paid for the fresh article. The 

 chief factors ruling the high prices in the fish saleroom were the keen 

 competition created by the large number of buyers, and the clear state 

 of the cured market, while the strong, firm quality of the herrings 

 encouraged bidding to the utmost farthing of their value. 



In consequence of the healthy condition of the cured market, ship- 

 ments to the Continent began early, and continued without interruption 

 throughout the whole season. Indeed, the consumption both in 

 Germany and Russia was quite equal to the quantities exported to those 

 countries, a gratifying state of matters in comparison with previous 

 years, when large quantities were put into store on both sides. The 

 first sales for export took place as early as the 1st of June. About 

 that time Matties sold at from 16s. 6d. to 18s. per barrel, and Mediums 

 from 22s. to 24s. Thereafter a steady rise was experienced, and at the 

 end of the season the quotations were: — Large Full, 42s; Full, 40s.; 

 Mat. Full, 38s. ; Matties, 31s. ; and Large Spent, 29s. to 30s. 



There is a considerable decrease in the line fishing of the district, 

 which is accounted for by the severe weather experienced in January 

 and February, and by the fact that in the spring months the great-line 

 steam vessels landed their catches mostly at Aberdeen. 



The unprecedented success of the English herring fishing added enor- 

 mously to the revenue of the large number of fishermen, curers, and 

 other workers belonging to the district. The number which proceeds 

 thither to take part in this great industry is increasing year by year, 

 and now scarcely an individual who is engaged in the home herring 

 fishing is left behind. One hundred and twenty-five steam drifters 

 and three sail boats comprised the fleet which proceeded from this 

 district, the former in the short season averaging £825, and the latter 

 £220. The success of the curers was, in proportion, still greater, 

 owing to the fact that the cured markets were pretty well cleared out 

 at the start of the home fishing season, and that this pleasant state of 

 matters continued throughout the year owing to the growing consump- 

 tion and the high prices of other foodstuffs on the Continent. 



The loss of netting at the English herring fishing amounted 

 to £7500. This loss was chiefly attributable to fouling 

 and weight of fish, which is almost unavoidable with such dense 

 shoals of fish and the comparatively small area the fleet works upon. 



Owing to the very fair fishing at home and the record landings at the 

 English ports the local barrel-making firms were extremely busy 

 throughout the year, and cleared out their entire stocks, with the result 

 that coopers will have a busy winter. 



The net-weaving industry continues to grow in the district. Four 

 factories are kept busy, and altogether about 60 hands are employed in 

 this intricate work. 



The boat-building industry did not show much improvement on the 

 previous year. One steam drifter and two or three yawls were 

 constructed, but most of the work consisted of repairs. 



In connection with the various branches of the fishing industry it is 

 gratifying to report that there was no loss of life throughout the year. 



Peterhead, 7th January 1913. 



Walter Duff, 



Fishery Officer. 



