TRAWLING. 
379 
miles nearer the mouth of the Humber, and correspondingly 
nearer the fishing grounds ; and also in touch with London 
equal to Hull, with many other natural advantages — it was 
just possible it would be to their advantage to settle there. 
Accordingly they did so, well knowing that the buyers would 
follow. 
It is somewhat significant about Grimsby, that the late Prince 
Consort, in laying the foundation-stone of the Royal Dock at this 
port, made use of the following almost prophetic speech : 
" We have been laying the foundation-stone of a dock, not 
only as a place of refuge and refitment for our mercantile marine, 
and calculated to receive the greatest steamers of H.M. navy, but 
I trust it will be the foundation of a commercial port. This work 
in future ages, when we shall long have quitted this scene, and 
when perhaps our names will be forgotten, will, I hope, become 
the centre of life with the vast and ever-increasing commerce 
of the world." 
In a great measure this prophecy has been fulfilled, for at least 
its fishing trade has outgrown the most sanguine expectation. 
Grimsby stands far ahead of its compeers in this important 
industry. It is a wonder of commercial enterprise, giving employ- 
ment to no less than 5000 men and boys ; and assuming that 1,500 
of the men ,are married, with families of say three children on an 
average, we have 10,000 people directly obtaining their living 
from its fishery. 
And when we consider for a moment that not long after this 
event there were very few vessels fishing at this port of from 
thirty to forty tons register, whereas to-day there are nearly eight 
hundred sailing trawling vessels of from fifty to ninety tons 
register, it will be admitted that there is scarcely anything equal 
to it in the history of the fishery of this or any other country. 
Now steam vessels are being introduced into the business, 
and though they are more expensive in their cost and working, 
yet they are proving successful in some instances, and likely to 
become serious competitors against the sailing trawler. From 
this it will be seen that to meet the requirements of so large 
a fleet special dock accommodation is necessary. The present 
docks and pontoons devoted to the business are as follows : Old 
dock area, 12 acres, 20 feet water on the sill, H.W.O.S.T; new 
fish dock, area 11 acres, 20 feet water on sill, H.W.O.S.T. ; and 
