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Appendices to Fortieth Annual Report 



the smaller herrings sold as low as 7s. per cran. On the whole more 

 unsatisfactory quality was never landed in any previous summer season. 



Curers had an unprofitable season, and although the demand for 

 matje cured herrings was good for most of the season, it fell off towards 

 the end, and at the close of the year several firms had still balances 

 unsold. The general prices received for cured large matjes were from 

 90s. to 130s. per barrel and from 60s. to 80s. per barrel for the medium 

 selection. The smaller selections, consigned to Germany, averaged 24s. 

 per barrel. 



The average gross earnings of local steam drifters amounted to £760. 

 The best fished boat earned £1300, which allowed £33 to each share 

 member of the crew, while the least successful earned only £324, which 

 left each share man £12 in debt. Motor boats, mostly half-sized, grossed 

 £220 to £800, averaging £460, and sail boats £173 to £521, averaging 

 £330. Motor and sail boats yielded better settlements than drifters. 



With the decline of white-fish curing for export great-line fishing has 

 lost its importance. During the spring months occasional catches 

 were landed by steam liners and small open boats, but not in sufficient 

 quantity to satisfy local requirements. 



Small-line fishing is practised chiefly at the creeks bordering on 

 Broad Bay, and the catches are carried by the women to Stornoway. 

 Haddocks were fairly plentiful, but dog-fish destroyed large numbers on 

 the lines. 



At out-lying creeks lobster fishing ensures a means of livelihood to 

 fishermen, and this year catches were invariably good, but prices ruled 

 low. 



A hurricane of unusual severity, but fortunately of only two-and-a- 

 half-hours' duration, occurred in March, causing much damage. Many 

 small boats were wrecked or damaged. While returning to port in 

 December the local steam drifter " Remembrance " foundered about 

 16 miles off, but the crew were saved, although their gear and other 

 effects were lost. Two half-sized boats were badly damaged while 

 effecting a landing at Portnaguran, and one motor boat was wrecked. 



Lord Leverhulme's activities have now, with the exception of several 

 works in Harris, been completely abandoned, and the only project- 

 completed in Lewis is the Canning Factory at Stornoway, although no 

 attempt has been made to commence canning. 



Barra. — The District fisheries yielded a substantial increase, 

 although less than was expected, and contrary to the general trend the 

 average price of herrings increased 20s. per cran. 



A decrease in the total tonnage of fishing vessels is largely in respect 

 of second class boats, of which 20 were completely wrecked during a 

 gale in March, being blown clean off the shore. Fishermen who have 

 secured crofts on a new crofting settlement intend to use their small 

 boats for inshore fishing, as well as for carrying peats from an adjacent 

 island. 



Owing to stormy weather during the first quarter of the year, herring 

 boats were only three times at sea, and nearly the whole of their 

 landings was sold fresh for local use. 



Great preparations were made by curers for the early fishing of May 

 and June. Thirteen curing stations were opened employing 82 crews of 

 women, against 12 stations and 62 crews last year. The first landings 

 of herrings were effected on 10th May and realised 15s. per cran for 

 curing. Quality was bad, and the price continued at that figure until 

 advices of sales, indicating a net return of over £3 per barrel, arrived 

 from Hamburg, when it rose to 40s. per cran, and reached 50s. per 



