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Appendices to Thirty-first Annual Report 



various lisliing centres rouud the coasts. Beginning in January, 83 

 steam drifters were titted out and proceeded to the West Coast of 

 Scotland and the North of Ireland, but at that early period of the year 

 stormy weather hindered their operations, and the season proved 

 unremunerative for them, their gross earnings only ranging from £120 

 to £340 per boat. 



The herring fishing was commenced at home in the latter end of May 

 by a number of sail boats, which fished in the Moray Firth until about 

 the middle of July, when they left for other districts. After that date 

 landings were practically confined to steam drifters coming home for 

 week-ends. The season's catch amounted to 11,692 crans, valued at 

 £12,712, against 12,489 crans, valued at £10,480, in 1911. A large 

 proportion of the cured herrings were sent coastwise, via Aberdeen and 

 Leith, to the Continental markets. 



At the close of the summer herring fishing a fleet of 257 steam 

 drifters, 6 motor boats, and 80 sail boats fitted out for the English 

 coast, leaving about the middle of September. The season 

 on that coast proved remarkably successful, and all connected 

 with the industry reaped a rich harvest. The gross earnings 

 of steam drifters ranged from £700 to £1200, of motor boats from 

 £500 to £800, and of sail boats from £250 to £400. Unfortunately, the 

 fishermen experienced a great loss of fishing material, caused by fouling 

 and weight of fish, the estimated loss amounting to £15,000. It is 

 estimated that the average earnings of each class of vessel — steam, 

 motor, and sail — employed in Scottish waters amounted to £950, £550, 

 and £400 respectively, and in English waters £800, £450, and £300 

 respectively. 



The small-line or haddock fishing, which is prosecuted from all the 

 creeks in the district, affords employment to a considerable number of 

 the older class of fishermen. It was taken part in by from 40 to 50 

 small and 8 large boats during the spring and autumn months with 

 considerable success, the gross landings showing a substantial increase 

 on last year's figures. The fish were of excellent quality, and were 

 bought principally for the Glasgow markets at remunerative prices to 

 the fishermen. 



Two steam drifters and 66 sail boats fitted out for cod-net fishing 

 during February, March, and April. The season proved very 

 successful, good catches, which realised remunerative prices, being 

 obtained. The total quantity landed amounted to 17,695 cwts., 

 valued at £6664, as against 9560 cwts., valued at £4502, in the pre- 

 ceding year. It is gratifying to observe that the landings of white 

 fish in the district have been increasing in quantity and value for the 

 past few years, and that fishermen are devoting more time and attention 

 to this fishing, which now yields them a good income during the winter 

 months. 



The boat-building trade was fairly active, five steam drifters and two 

 second-class sail boats being built and launched during the year, while, 

 in addition, three steel vessels were built elsewhere for district 

 fishermen. Orders have already been placed with builders at home for 

 five vessels for delivery for the coming herring season, and there is 

 every prospect of boat-builders being busy throughout the whole year. 



Coopers were actively employed either at herring-curing or barrel- 

 making during the year, and after the close of the English fishing every 

 available man found employment at barrel-making. 



The loss of and damage to boats and fishing gear in Scottish waters 

 was estimated at £6110, and four lives were lost by drowning during 

 the year. 



The progress of the new harbour works is satisfactory. A consider- 



