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Fortieth Annual Report 



CHAPTER V. 



TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION. 



The problem of transport and distribution continues to exercise 

 the minds of those engaged in the Scottish fishing industry, Scotland 

 being, as compared with England, seriously handicapped by the 

 distance of the principal fishing ports from the important centres of 

 consumption, and being moreover confronted with peculiar difficulties 

 of communication. The railway system is subject to exposure to 

 severe weather conditions, causing delays and breakdowns ; there are 

 many steep gradients throughout the country, and several of the 

 principal ports are served by single lines only ; while as regards the 

 fishing ports situated in the various islands, the extra handling 

 involved in a steamer and rail connection, and delays in sea transit 

 owing to fogs and storms, constitute further handicaps. 



The principal points of the problem in Scotland may be briefly 

 outlined as follow : — 



(1) The organisation of a regular and efficient service for con- 



veying fish in the shortest possible time from the ports of 

 landing to the morning markets in the large centres of 

 distribution. Expedition in the running of trains has in 

 some cases resulted in a later hour of despatch from the 

 ports being arranged, and this has proved a valuable 

 concession. 



(2) The running, at short notice, of special fish trains wherever 



justified by the traffic. 



(3) The restoration of pre-war steamer services between the 



Mainland and Outer Islands. This is of special importance 

 in the case of Stornoway, where a strong demand exists 

 for a daily service all the year round. 



(4) The provision of convenient loading accommodation and 



of sufficient rolling stock in all respects suitable and in 

 proper condition for carrying the different classes of fish 

 traffic. 



(5) Satisfactory arrangements for the delivery of coal, stores, 



fishing gear, etc. at the various outlying ports ; also the 

 prompt return of empty boxes. 



(6) The granting of special travelling concessions to fishworkers 



proceeding to and from the curing centres. 



(7) The running of fast goods services of which the trade 



generally could take more advantage. 



(8) Revision of rates for fish (including mussels for bait). 



Various complaints and suggestions, with regard to these and 

 other matters affecting the fishing industry, which were received by 

 or came to the notice of the Board during the year were carefully 

 investigated, and every effort was made to remove difficulties and 

 to improve the transport facilities. In this connection the Board 

 continued to keep in close touch with the railway and steamship 

 authorities, who have been found at all times most willing to assist 

 wherever possible — this remark applying equally to the period 



