TRAWLING. 
387 
spiritual condition of our trawlers there, furnishing them with 
hooks to wile away the weary hours and days and weeks, also 
affording them relief in sickness and injury, and cheering and 
brightening the dullness and monotony of their lives by its presence 
and ministry. 
The work is carried on by the aid of seven vessels, of similar 
build to the trawling vessels, six of which are constantly with the 
fleets (that is to say, one to each fleet) ; and whilst each fishes as a 
regular trawler, it is also devoted to mission-work. As often as 
possible religious and temperance services are held on hoard these 
vessels (the men themselves being their own parsons), which are 
of a very hearty kind, and helping each other to make the best of 
life; for with them "life is real, life is earnest," and much good 
has resulted from the work thus carried on. 
Each vessel has a supply of medical stores, and the masters 
have had some training in dressing wounds and binding up 
fractured limbs. Much philanthropic work has been done in 
this way ; and, what is also of common-sense benefit, the vessels 
supply the smacksmen with cheap tobacco, that they may have no 
reason to visit the grog-shops. 
But it is a very curious fact to note, that our Eevenue authorities 
will not allow tobacco to be supplied out of bond for our trawlers 
in connection with this particular work. Hence the Mission gets 
its tobacco sent from Leicester to Ostend, where one of the vessels 
goes for it. It is delivered to them through the Belgian 
Custom authorities; and after all this is done, sold to our 
trawlers for one shilling per pound the shag, and one shilling and 
fourpence the hard tobacco. 
This Mission was founded as a separate institution in 1884, by 
the Kev. E. J. Mather, who is also the director ; and for mission- 
work to fishermen is one of the most successful religious and 
temperance movements of these times of special missions. 
The office of the director is Bridge House, 181, Queen Victoria 
Street, London, E.C. ; and if any lady or gentleman should wish 
to know more of the work or assist its operations, I am sure Mr. 
Mather would welcome your enquiry or cheque. 
