of the Fishery Board for Scotland, 



32 



as the takes landed were generally light and were in demand for local 

 consumption and for kippering purposes, fairly good prices were obtained. 



Unfortunately the southern markets were unable to absorb a great 

 quantity of these small herrings, and as the quality was quite unsuitable 

 for curing purposes, prices fluctuated greatly, the first arrivals getting as 

 high as 80s., while crews who arrived later in the day found difficulty in 

 disposing of their herrings at 5s. per cran. 



Fishermen finding the prices obtained for their fish insufficient to pay 

 working expenses, decided at a mass meeting not to shoot their nets until 

 curers guaranteed them a minimum price, and during the fortnight ended 

 7th June boats remained in harbour. 



One Buckie crew who were operating from Fraserburgh when the 

 resolution was agreed to, disregarded it by shooting their nets on their 

 way home. Their take, which consisted of 25 crans, was put up for sale 

 at Buckie, but at a meeting of fishermen held in the Fish Mart, it was 

 decided not to allow the crew to land their herrings, and they were accord- 

 ingly dumped in the bay. 



A promise having been obtained from buyers as to a minimum price 

 for a certain quantity of herrings landed each day, fishermen resumed 

 fishing during the week ended 14th June. 



At this date the quality of the herrings showed a marked improve- 

 ment, but was still misuitable for curing except for early consumption, 

 of which there was no prospect. 



The first arrivals obtained good prices for kippering and freshing 

 purposes, but after this demand was supplied, prices quickly fell to a low 

 level as on previous occasions. 



During the week ended 21st June, fishermen were so dissatisfied with 

 the prices they were getting that they once more resolved not to go to 

 sea until the curers guaranteed a minimum price per cran for all herrings 

 landed in good condition up to 5 p.m. This resolution was strictly 

 observed, and during the week ended 28th June no herrings were landed. 



At this critical stage in the negotiations between curers and fishermen, 

 the announcement of the Government guarantee scheme for cured herrings 

 brightened the outlook, and the good work done by the Board in connec- 

 tion therewith has been greatly appreciated by the trade. 



There is no doubt that if the Gfovernment had not come to its assist- 

 ance and removed the deadlock, the herring fishing industry would have 

 been paralysed. 



During July and August no further trouble arose between curers and 

 fishermen. The latter prosecuted the fishing regularly and met with good 

 result in the waters 50 to 70 miles N.E. and N.E. by E. of Buckie. Steady 

 suppKes of good quality were landed, and generally curers got as many 

 herrings as their staff of workers could handle. 



The season closed at the ©nd of August with a total of 19,052 crans 

 — the highest catch recorded for many years. 



Of the total catch, 15,461 crans were cured, 5506 were kippered, and 

 1419 crans were freshed. 



Curing was carried on at Portknockie, Findochty, and Buckie, and 

 kippering by three curers at Findochty and six at Buckie, one of the 

 latter being a new curer who erected a new kippering establishment during 

 the spring months. Three additional curers received gromid from the 

 Town Council for herring curing yards at Buckie. Gutting sheds, etc., 

 are in process of being erected, and the yards will be ready for use next 

 season. 



Of the total of 15,938 barrels of herrings cured, 13,941 were presented 

 for the brand, and of these 12,430 barrels received the Crown Brand ; 

 1180 were branded Grade 2 ; and 331 Grade 3, 



