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mussels were being dredged from the bed of the river, and if the 
young mussels were gathered regularly from the entrance and put to 
fatten in or near the bed of the river, the Tweed might be greatly 
improved in this respect. But as it is nobody’s business at present, 
such a work of the most obvious benefit to the fishing community is 
neglected. The Spittal men were sure that the line fishing would 
be greatly encouraged if the mussels were more plentiful. They 
were agreed also as to the desirability of a close time for crabs from 
October to December, both inclusive, and the protection of the 
berried lobster. 
Holy Island. — Wednesday, 2 Gth September. 
The Vicar was chairman over a meeting of about 20 fishermen. 
After the lecture the men present again referred to the decline in 
the haddock fishing. Even the codlings which are now got on the 
rougher grounds, where they are obliged to put the lines, are not 
numerous. While crabs, they said, were steady, the lobster fishing 
had decreased. 
What the fishermen thought would be most useful to them 
was large herring boats, which would enable them to follow 
the herring fishing along the coast. They cost about £500 each. If 
some arrangement could be made by loans at a low rate of interest, 
to enable them to buy these boats, the men say it would bring about 
a great relief to Holy Island. Although they can get plenty of 
bait, it is little use to them, because the white fishing is so poor. 
The development, however, of Fenham flats by the owners into 
a mussel and oyster farm (see page GO) would provide an excellent 
local industry. It would be far more likely to be successful than 
attempting a scheme which would take the men away from the 
island for long periods. 
They complained also again in regard to railway rates. It was 
said that if, for instance, a cask was sent away weighing 2 cwts. 1 lb. 
it would be charged as weighing 2A cwt. They thought that actual 
weight should be charged, and confirmed the statement in this 
respect given on p. 28 of last year's Report. 
Ska Houses. — Thursday, September 0,7th. 
Two or three fishermen only came to the Mission Room along 
with the Messrs. Ewing, and we had a discussion on fishery matters. 
Beadnell. — Friday, September 28th. 
At Beadnell I had a talk with Mr. Douglas, who still thinks 
that a close time should be instituted for crabs for October, 
