684 
MR. T. J. WIGG ON THE HERRING FISHERY. 
consequence, their earnings compare very unfavourably with the 
season of 1902. The bad luck of the Scotch fleet was the 
means of enabling the English boats to have the run of the market 
day after day, much to the annoyance of Scotch buyers, who, 
in many cases, were obliged to pay more for their supplies than 
they had bargained for. The stormy weather previously mentioned 
was responsible for the loss of a considerable number of nets from 
various boats, and also for the early return to the North of scores 
of the smaller Scotch boats, which are not built to stand rough 
weather, and had been lying idle in the harbour for weeks. 
Indeed, it is asserted that many of them never once left the 
harbour in search of Herrings, or put their nets over the side 
owing to the continuance of bad weather. However, as the 
boats did fairly well before reaching this coast they did not 
return home empty-handed. 
I have this year to note the great loss of nets which has fallen 
heavily on some of the boat owners. Several boats lost the whole 
fleet, while others report the loss or spoiling of more than half 
of their nets. 
During the third week in November, an attempt was made by 
a number of Scotch curers at Yarmouth to limit the Herring 
output. A circular was issued containing a suggestion that “ it is 
in the interest of both fishermen and curers that the present fishing 
be now wound up.” Most of the merchants and others concerned 
in the fishing took but little notice of the circular. Such an action 
is unprecedented in the fishing trade so far as Yarmouth is con- 
cerned, and it is needless to say that it has excited the indignation 
of both English and Scotch salesmen, as well as the fish merchants 
of Yarmouth. One of the latter in speaking of the circular 
described it as “ the biggest piece of nonsense ever sent out.” 
The earnings of the Scotch boats average less than last year, and 
of fifty boats which returned to Fraserburgh, the average earnings 
are less than £100. A steam drifter from the same port delivered 
700 crans of Herrings, but only realised £350. Several other 
Scotch boats have averaged only £80 per boat, which is a big 
falling off on last year, and will affect the trade and cause much 
depression and distress. The failure of the fishing so far as the 
Scotch boats are concerned was entirely due to bad weather. 
With light winds the catch would have been very heavy. 
