of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



207 



produce annually. It would be of great advantage to the fishermen 

 of Helmsdale if a full supply of mussels could be obtained locally. In 

 the year 1912 upwards of 80 tons were railed to that village from 

 Newhaven and Port-Glasgow, and the amount paid for carriage was a 

 considerable item in the expenses connected with the haddock fishing. 



As a general rule, the earnings of the fishermen who went from the 

 district as hired hands to the Scottish summer and English herring 

 fishings were very satisfactory, as also were the earnings of the women 

 who went to these fishings as gutters and packers. 



Only 19 of the district boats were employed at the summer herring 

 fishing, viz., 9 steam drifters, 9 sailing boats, and 1 motor boat. They 

 operated chiefly from Wick and Stronsay, and shared in a moderate 

 degree the success which attended the fishing at these ports. The 

 average gross earnings of the steam drifters amounted to £830, and of 

 the sail boats to £342. The motor boat grossed £380. 



Only the steam drifters proceeded to the English herring fishing, 

 where their average gross earnings amounted to £624. At this fishing 

 the crews lost a large quantity of their fishing gear. 



As regards the returns of means of capture, the only change worthy 

 of notice which occurred in 1912 was the introduction into the district 

 of an auxiliary motor line boat. This boat was supplied in November 

 to the order of a crew in Dunbeath, and it was employed during the 

 closing weeks of the year, giving entire satisfaction to the owners. 

 There are indications that the example thus shown by this crew will be 

 followed in the near future by other fishermen in the district. 



In November two Helmsdale fishermen lost their lives through the 

 swamping of their boat when returning from the haddock fishing. 

 Another Helmsdale fisherman lost his life in August. It is presumed 

 that he fell from the pier into the river, and was carried out to sea by 

 the current. Nobody saw him falling in, however, and his body has 

 not been recovered. 



The fishery barometer at Dunbeath continues to be carefully 

 tended, and is much appreciated by the fishermen. 



Fishery Office, Alexander Wood, 



Helmsdale, 7th JaJiuary 1913. Fishery 0 fleer, 



Lyhster District. 



Throughout the year nothing of any great importance occurred in 

 connection with any of the branches of the fishing industry pursued in 

 this small and somewhat unimportant district. 



The means of capture of the district have now been reduced to a very 

 low ebb, although little change occurred during the year. There are 

 only two or three of the boats suitable for the prosecution of the deep-sea 

 fishing, and these usually work from centres outside the district. All 

 the other craft operate upon the local inshore grounds, either at h^erring 

 or line fishing. 



Every succeeding year sees a reduction in the number of men 

 employed in the district fisheries. Young men do not appear to 

 consider it an occupation that offers them sufficient inducement to 

 embark upon as a means of earning a livelihood. They prefer moving 

 off to the Southern industrial centres. A good number, however, find 

 their way to the various British- Colonies. 



All attempts made at herring fishing during the year met with 

 failure. In the winter months there appeared to be an entire absence 

 of herrings upon the usual coast grounds. 



