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REPORT.

The Committee to which were referred the State of the Fisheries
carried on in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on the Labrador
Coast, by inhabitants of this Province, the disadvantages
under which they labor, the best means of removing the
same and the expediency of Legislative encouragement for
such Fisheries, in what respect and how: — Beg leave to

PRESENT THIS THEIR FlRST REPORT :

Your Committee have given the subject referred to them, and the various
petitions therewith connected, all the attention to which their importance is en-
titled.

To ascertain whether any and what encouragement were granted in the Lower
Provinces, to the Fisheries carried on by inhabitants thereof, Your Committee, at
the outset of their inquiries, caused circulars to be addressed to certain of the autho-
rities in those Provinces from whom they deemed it probable that information on
this head to be relied upon, might be obtained. The answers received have been,
with one exception, full and satisfactory, some of them containing much statistical
and other very interesting and useful information relating to the Fisheries and trade,
and which are hereunto appended.

It is stated by the answer from St. Johns, Newfoundland, that " No bounties
" whatever are granted either by the British or Colonial Government in furtherance
" of the prosecution of the British Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, that these
" Fisheries are confined to the catch of Cod, Seal, Salmon, Herrings and Caplin on
" the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Bank fishery being no longer pro-
" secuted. That they extend around the Island (except at such places as are held
" under treaty by the French Government, including the Islands of St. Pierre,
" Miqnelon, and Langley) and on the coast of Labrador from the entrance of
" Hudson Strait to a line drawn due North and South from Ance au Sablon, to the
"52° of North latijtude. The supposed number of vessels and boats and fisher-
" men employed in the Fisheries on the Newfoundland coast and Labrador the past
tc year, (1851) is as follows: —

Number.

Vessels and Boats, 4,570

Tonnage thereof. 37,800

Men engaged therein 17,670

" Those vessels which are engaged at Labrador, return at the close of the fish-
" ing season, bringing back the families of the fishermen who have assisted in the-
" cure of fish there.

"That the Seal fishery is prosecuted in registered decked vessels, fitted and
" sailing direct from the Island, all of which depart about the 1st March in each
" year, and return to port as soon as a sufficient success may attend the enterprise*

A<6

44 Ihey are usually from 50 to 200 tons, and arc manned with compliments varying
14 from 30 to 60 persons in each. The other fisheries above referred to are prose-
44 cuted in the summer months, or between May and October.

"That the Labrador coast is visited yearly b}' fishermen and trading vessels
44 from the Onited States, Canada, Nova Scotia and neighbouring Provinces as well ;
"but where no Custom House is established, duties collected, or other revenue re-
" gulations exist.

44 That from and after the 10th October, 1849, all Imperial duties ceased to
44 exist in Newfoundland, and that goods are now only subject to the one Colonial If
4i rate on importation, as per table in the Appendix.

44 That in order to obtain early foreign fish, in Markets in Europe, numerous
44 British and Spanish vessels sail from the ports of this Island (Newfoundland) be-
4' tween July and September for British ports at Labrador in ballast, and there load
44 accordingly, which saves the expense of the transportation and final landing or re-
41 shipment in this Country of such commodities as Codfish, Salmon, Herrings, and
sh oils."

Mr. Hayward, Comptroller of Customs and Navigation Laws, at St. Johns, to
whom your Committee are indebted for the above information, observes in conclu-
sion : 44 That Newfoundland contains a population consisting of 95,000 souls, who
44 are depending principally, if not altogether on other countries for food and sup-
44 plies, and as the prosecution of Agricultural pursuits has not been found to
44 answer, except as an auxiliary to our fisheries, I humbly conceive that a vast ex
44 tended trade may be beneficially opened up with Canada in the supply by her of all
"description of provisions, more particularly in exchange for the staple articles oi n»
44 this Colony, such as Codfish, Cod and Seal Oils, Seal Skins, Herrings, Salmon.
44 Mackarel and Caplin, if such a commerce were established upon a fair basis oi
44 Legislative Reciprocity."

Your Committee arc left to infer from the information they have received frorr
Halifax (Nova Scotia,) that no Legislative encouragement is afforded the Fisherie
carried on from that Province, it being, it would seem the opinion there, that th(
Fisheries carried on along the sea coast of Nova Scotia will of themselves be sufficiently
remunerative, and amply repay the industry and capital employed in them,
adequately protected in the exclusive enjoyment of their own fishing ground.'
against intruders from the neighbouring States.

"With respect to the Fisheries carried on from New Brunswick, your Committe
have ascertained that the Legislature of the Province has recently afforded a limite(
encouragement to them, by exempting from duties all articles necessary to the dee]
sea Fisheries, with a grant of £500 in 1851, and a similar grant in 1852, to Fisher
Societies, on condition of their raising a certain amount by contribution amon
themselves, the said sums to be disbursed in premiums.

No bounties, however, are allowed by the Legislature of that Province toward
encouraging the Fisheries. Your Committee are at the same time informed by th«
authority whence their information on this subject is derived, that a sufficient lengtl
of time has not yet elapsed to ascertain whether the above measure of granting
money for premiums has had a beneficial effect in a public sense, or not.

In Prince Edward Island an Act was passed in 1851 " for the encouragen
44 of the Cod and Mackerel Fisheries," by which a bounty of 12s. 6d. per register ton
old measurement, is allowed on vessels properly manned, equipped, and embarked
in the Cod or Mackarel Fisheries during either of the years 1851, 1852, or 1853
the said bounty payable to the person or persons being an inhabitant or inhabitant
of the said Island, who shall own and fit out the said vessels from the Island, pro
vided that such vessels are respectively equipped, and fully furnished with all need*
ful supplies stores and materials. No person to be entitled to any such tonnagj
bounty on any vessel, unless it shall have been expressly fitted out for the Cod ?
Mackarel Fisheries, and have been at sea in the actual prosecution of the fishin

Gr

,

7oya"-c for a period of not less than three and a half calendar months, between the
L5th°day of June and the 1st day of October, in either of the said years, (unless
md excepting such time as may be required to return to land fish caught or taken
jy the crew thereof) and shall not, during such period, have carried any freight,
aut shall have been solely and exclusively employed in the said Fisheries under this
provision of the Act. The sum of £409 13s. 9d. was, in 1851, paid in bounties to the
owners of 18 such small vessels, the total of whose tonnage amounted to 846, the
iiffhest of them being 150 tons, and lowest 17, and the total product of whose
fisheries for the season were 2425 quintals of Codfish, 350 barrels herrings, and
372 barrels of Mackarel.

Besides the above, it is also provided by the same Act " that for the further
< encouragement of the Mackerel Fishery of this Island there shall be granted and
4 paid out of the public monies in the Treasury of the Island, over and above any
1 tonnage bounty granted by this Act in each of the said years 1851, 1852 and 1853,
' £100 of lawful current money of this Island, which shall, in each of the said years,
' be paid and applied as bounties to the owners of such vessels or boats, as shall in
' such years be fitted out, equipped, manned, and supplied in the Island, and shall be

* owned by inhabitants thereof, and shall catch and bring into port into this Island
4 the greatest number of barrels of Mackarel, being actually and bond fide caught and
j secured by the crews or other persons on board of such vessels or boats during the
' fishing season in any one of the above years, and to be paid in the following pro-
c portions, that is to say, to the owner of the vessel or boat having the largest quantity
' of barrels of Mackarel, the sum of £40 ; to the owner of the vessels or boat having

* the next largest quantity £30 ; to the owner of the vessel or boat having the next
' largest quantity £20 ; and to the owner of the next or fourth vessel or boat having
i the next largest quantity the sum of £10 ; provided always that no bounty shall be
1 given or paid to the owner of any such vessel or boat not having caught, and brought
:'into port in this Island as aforesaid, at least one hundred barrels of such Mackarel,

ieSu during the fishing season in the years in which such bounty shall be claimed."

The Government of France affords to its subjects carrying on the Fisheries at
Jie Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, upon the south coast of Newfoundland, or
in"the Gulph of St. Lawrence, a most liberal encouragement. It allows for every quin-
tal of Codfish taken in our waters, that is to say, on the coast of Newfoundland or
Grulph, within the limits prescribed them by treaty ten (10) francs, equal to 8s. 4d.
e€ sterling when debarked in France, and five (5) francs additional on their exporta-
tion in French vessels to Foreign States, and for every man or boy employed
eP during the voyage fifty (50) francs.

7 The United States have made very liberal provision for the encouragement of
na their Fisheries. By an Act of Congress passed in 1819, three dollars and a half
per ton are given to all vessels above five tons and under thirty tons, employed in
,c'£the Fisheries, and four dollars per ton to all vessels above 30 tons, on condition
^ always of four months sea service, that is to say, for a fishing voyage. An allow-
-tt]ance of three and a half dollars per ton is also granted by the same Act to vessels
:n8above 30 tons for a voyage of three and a half months, provided the crew consist of
not less than ten men.

It would appear by the above, that the Governments of Newfoundland and of Nova

Scotia deem it unnecessary to encourage the Fisheries by Legislative aid, the capi-

^tal and industry engaged in them yeilding of themselves, a fair remuneration ; and

that although the Legislatures of New Brunswick and of Prince Edward Island have

temporarily made provision for the encouragement of these Fisheries, it is but slender,

and in fact only by way of experiment, the benefits whereof remain to be seen.

The liberal encouragements granted by the Governments of France and the United

^States of America to their Fisheries, have the effect of sending, year after year,

0 during the fishing season, fleets of their bankers and fishing craft into the Gulph

[[lt where they carry on extensive, and no doubt, profitable Fisheries, constituting

on

nurseries for their respective navies, and of enabling them to compete with, and
undersell us, in the article of fish, the products of our own waters, in foreign and
even in our own, Upper Canada, markets, as the returns hereunto appended shew.
Serious complaints, it is also to be observed, have been made, from time to time,
against American Fishermen frequenting the Gulph, who, regardless of treaty stipu-
lations, encroach upon our waters, and the fishing grounds exclusively reserved for
our own Fishermen settled on the coast, and there carrying on the sedentary or shore

cies in barges or open boats; but the evils complained of on this score by the in-
habitants have in a great measure been prevented during the last summer by the vigi-
lance of the cruisers sent thither, and stationed in the Gulph for the purpose by the
home Government, and particularly by Her Majesty's War Steamer "Devastation,"
Captain Campbell, whose zeal, diligence and activity seconded by his officers and men
in this important service, have deserved the approbation and gratitude of the entire
population of the coast, and which also your Committee with pleasure acknowledge,

Next to the articles of timber and flour, the products of the Gulf Fisheries con-
stitute the chief staple of our export trade ; and if your Committee may allude in con-
nection with them to a matter of great public interest recently much discussed, and
the subject, it is said, of negotiation at the present time between the Governments
of Great Britain and the United States, viz : — Reciprocity in trade, very desirable
certainly, upon equal and fair terms with our neighbours of the Union, it would be,
to express their humble conviction, that to obtain it at the expense of admitting
them to an equal participation in the fishing grounds on the seabord belonging exclu-
sively to our own people, and for which the United States have no equivalent of the
like nature, nor indeed of any description to offer in return, would be a sacrifice, we
can but ill afford, far exceeding in value the proposed boon, which it were more pro-
fitable to forego than acquiesce in at such a cost, which inevitably would prove the
ruin of our sedentary Fisheries on the Gulf. Shore. The cession of an equality of rights
to foreigners with our fellow subjects in those Fisheries within the reserved limite
would, in all probability, give rise to endless disputes, discontent, antagonism, and
possibly, occasional conflicts between the two classes, and necessitate the establish-
ment and maintenance of an expensive Coast Police force to preserve order, to
say nothing of the demoralizing effects in a political as well as social sense which an
intercourse with the crowd of strangers resorting to the Coast year after year during
the fishing season would entail upon the settlers.

Your Committee append to this Report the information they have received
from various persons more or less concerned in the Gulf Fisheries, and from whose
concurring testimony it would seem that encouragement to those carried on from
this Province is in their opinion to a certain extent indispensably necessary to
enable them to compete with our Provincial, and particularly with our American
neighbours; but it will also be seen by referring to the papers annexed, that there
is considerable diversity of opinion as to the best mode of affording the proposed
encouragement, some proposing merely to exempt all articles necessary to the
fisheries from duties ; others would give a tonnage bounty, as in Prince Edward's
Island, to encourage the construction of Bankers or Small Vessels for the Bank
Fisheries in the Gulf and Straits of Belleisle. Others propose premiums for the
greatest quantity of fish, exceeding a certain amount, taken in any one " voyage
or season, by a barges' or boats' crew (generally of two men). Some speak of a
bounty on the export of fish.

Which of these different modes may be best adapted for the encouragement of the
Fisheries it is difficult to determine. In the way of experiment they may all be
advisable ; but to give any of them a fair trial, your Committee are of opinion, that
three seasons at least, if not five, should be the term assigned for the purpose. It
is maintained by political economists, and not without reason, that any branch of
industry that is not of itself remunerative, ought not to be upheld at the expense
of other branches. There are, however, so many considerations connected with this

favorite branch of national industry, to entitle it to the protection and encourage-
ment of the Canadian Legislature, so many drawbacks to its 'successful competition

w'ih our neighb >urSj profitably occupied in those Fisheries at our door, tint unless
gonis temporary aid to animate and encourage those engaged in it, and to rherish
and keep it alive, be afforded they may from a source of wealth as undoubtedly
they might be made, dwindle, in so far as Canadian interests are concerned in them,
into insignificance, and an age elapse before those who will succeed us shall, with the
utmost industry and exertions, it may be in their power to realize, recover from
the injury we shall have entailed upon them by our supineness and neglect. But
unquestionably the first encouragement and most important to the success and
prosperity of our Fineries consists in the protection and maintenance of our fellow
subjects engaged in them, in the exclusive possession and enjoyment of our own
waters, without which all others will be found unavailing.

Your Committee finally are of opinion that it is expedient to afford encourage-
ment to the Whale, Seal, Cod, Makarel, and other Fisheries carried on in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence by inhabitants of this Province, by a total exemption of all articles neces-
sary to such Fisheries from duties, so, as to place them as nearly as possible on an
equality with those from foreign countries resorting to the same waters, with whom
they have to compete. They are also of opinion that as an experiment it may be
advisable to allow annually during three or five years, or for any other period
sufficiently long for a fair trial, a moderate tonnage bounty as in Prince Edwards
Island, to small vessels, that is to say, not exceeding 75, tons equipped and manned
as Bankers by inhabitants of this Province ; and moreover, that to animate and
that most laborious and useful class of our Coast population, the laboring

•men, a liberal bounty should ( be allowed to such of them in each settlement
as by their diligence, industry, and success, are an example to their neighbours,
either by giving a bounty or premuim to the respective crews of the fcurbest boats,
or in some other shape. These are the hardy and enterprising men settled on the

, who daily, during the fishing season, resort at break of day in their barges to
the neighbouring fishing grounds, drawing thence the cod and other fish, which,
when cured, constitute the staple of our seabord, and are exported by cargoes to
the European and South American markets, bringing back to us, in return, the
products of those countries, the duties upon which more than amply compensate
us for those we may forego in encouraging the fisheries. Your Committee are
further of opinion that an annual appropriation for the period aforesaid might also
with propriety be made in favor of any Fishery Societies, which for the purpose of
encouraging the Fisheries might be formed, as recently done in New Brunswick, and
an amount be voted to each and every such Society, equal to the sum raised among
theaiselves by voluntary contribution, for the encouragement of the Fsheries ; on
the same principle, in fact, as the votes in favor of Agricultural Societies are
annually given.

If the views of Your Committee are approved of, and the suggestions which they
have deemed it their duty to submit towards encouraging the fisheries are thought
proper in whole or in part to be adopted, it will of course rest with the Executive
jrovernment to carry them out, and to recommend the money vote or votes neces-
sary for the purpose, as no such vote can originate without its special recommendation.
But Your Committee beg in conclusion to observe that whatever appropriations
may be made for the purpose of encouraging the Fisheries, and they sincerely trust
that encouragement will be afforded, they are humbly of opinion, that it will be
better to leave the application of the monies voted for the purpose, and all necessary
details in connection therewith, to the Government, to be regulated by it annually
at the commencement of each season by an order in Council, as circumstances may
require, rather than by an Act of Parliament, the provisions of which may not admit
of deviation, in order that in an experiment of such vital importance to the industry

and trade oi" the Country, full scope may be allowed, and, if needful, a fair trial in
another or, other shapes be afforded, if the first shall prove a failure.
The whole, nevertheless, most respectfully submitted.

ROBERT CHRISTIE,

Chairman.
10th May, 1853.

\

The undersigned dissent from the above Report inasmuch as they consider an
expression of opinion by the Provincial Legislature of Canada, adverse to the sur-
render of the Fisheries, at this moment premature.

1st. Because it may embarrass or retard the progress of a Treaty, the terms of
which, the public arc led to believe, are now under consideration.

2nd. Because they concur in the opinions heretofore expressed by the Legisla-
ture of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, " That a free exchange of the
M natural productions of the United States, and these Colonies, including those of the
"Field, the Forest, the Mines, and the Fisheries, would be of greater advantage to
u both countries,'' than retaining the right of the Fisheries.

The dissentients take also the opportunity to observe that the disadvantages
under which our Fishermen on the coast of Labardor, the Gulph of St. Lawrence
and generally in British North America labor, chiefly arise from the artificial aid con-
ferred by the Government of the United States in the shape of bounties to the Cod and
Mackarel Fisheries, which, it is ascertained by Official Returns from the United
States Treasury, amounted from 1844 to 1848, to $1,627,505, and furthermore by
the imposition of 20 per cent, duty on fish imported from British North America
into the United States, for consumption therein.

The practical operation of these bounties is to enable the Fishermen from the
States of Maine and Massachusetts to build vessels, at higher rates, man them at
higher wages, catch fish within our waters, on the sea coast, at less expense than
our people can, and to convey them by sea to the ports of New York and Boston,
and export them thence by Canal and Railway, (after paying tolls to the State,) to
Upper Canada for consumption and there sell them at a profit.

The value of the fish imported and consumed in Canada in 1851, was £11,156 17 0
« " " 1852, 13,231 0 0

on which a duty was paid of £1,395 17s. 2d., and £1,653 17s. 9d. Of the fish so
imported into Canada, to the value of £6,623, and £7,769 15s. 6d. was the catch
by fishermen of the States, when the same could have been caught by our own
fishermen on our own coasts, furnishing return freights through our own waters,
without duty or any other restriction.

The dissentients are moreover humbly of opinion that in case the Governments
of Great Britain and the United States should not come to a mutual arrangement
with respect to the proposed commercial intercourse now under discussion, the
most prompt and effectual measure to regain the natural advantages to which we
are entitled from our proximity to those Fishing Grounds, is to pay a direct bounty
to the fishermen in precisely the same manner and to the same amount as the Gov-
ernment of the United States pay to their fishermen, to be apportioned by the Impe-
rial and Provincial Governments, instead of the incidental bounty now paid to armed
cruisers.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

WM. HAMILTON MERRITT.
G. P. RIDOUT.

APPENDIX.

The following letters were received in answer to a Circular sent.

Her Majesty's Customs.
Saint John, N. B. Voih September, 1852.
Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 6th instant,
requesting information relative to the Fisheries of this Province, and in reply thereto,
have to inform you, that there is encouragement given by the Government of this
Province to the Fisheries in the following shape, viz: Exemption from duties of all
articles necessary for the deep sea Fisheries ; a grant of £500 in 1851, and a similar
grant in 1852, to Fishery Societies, on condition of their raising a certain amount ;
the money to be disbursed in premiums. The whole of this money has not as yet
been expended however.

No bounties are allowed in this Province. A sufficient length of time has not
elapsed yet, to ascertain whether the above measure of granting money for premiums
has had a beneficial effect in a public sense or the reverse. With reference to the
other particulars required by you, I beg to state that it is not in my power to furnish
you with accurate information, but I have much pleasure in forwarding to your
address by the same mail that conveys this letters, a very able report on the Fisheries
of this Province, drawn up by M. H. Perley, Esq., under the direction of the
Government, and which contains all the information required by you.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,

ALEXANDER GRANT,

Controler.
W. C. Burrage, Esq.

Secretary's Office, 18th September, 1852.
Sir, — I have the honor to enclose, for the information of the Canadian Legis-
lature, two Acts passed by the Legislature of this Island, No. 1. An Act relating
to the Fisheries which received the Royal allowance, 3rd September, 1844 No. 2.
An Act for the encouragement of the Cod and Mackerel Fisheries, and also a return
No. 3, of the amount of tonnage bounties claimed and paid by the Government of
the Colony during the past year, in addition to which the sum of one hundred
pounds was paid under the fourth Section of the Act.

Likewise, Royal Gazette, No. 4, containing copies of the despatches transmitted
by Sir Alexander Bannerman to the Colonial Minister. It is impossible to ascertain
the quantity of fish caught by the inhabitants of the Colony, the Fishery being
chiefly carried on in boats which are to be seen in all parts of the Island.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,

JAMES WARBURTON,

Colonial Secretary.
G. R. Goodman, Esq.

Controller Navigation Laws

(Translation.)

Answers of the undersigned to the questions submitted to him, by the Committee
to whom has been referred the state of the Fisheries in the Gulf.

1st. I have, at present, no Fishing Depot in Labrador, but I transact business
with a large number of fishermen and traders belonging both to Labrador and
other places situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

8

2nd. ]>ut few of the Canadian ship-owners and fishermen frequent the Coast of
Labrador, having no titles to the possession of the grounds occupied by them for
fishing, and there being no authority to protect them in the possession of tlicse grounds,
they are constantly exposed to be foretsalled by ^others in greater numbers than
themselves, and they thus lose the fishing season. On this account the merchants
of Quebec, are backward in making advances to persons, who, generally speaking,
are possessed of nothing beyond their vessels, and whose means of paying for the
advances made to them, do not extend beyond the profits arising from their fisheries.
Canadian ship-owners have also another great disadvantage to contend with, which
is. that in procuring their equipment, and the stock necessary for their traffic, on the
( f Labrador, they arc unable to compete with foreigners who procure the same
articles free from the duties imposed upon the goods of Canadian ship-owners at
Quebec. They arc therefore obliged to sell at higher prices, and thus they can only
effect sales to small bidders, in thinly populated localities which are not frequented
by foreigners, indeed nearly the entire commerce along the Coast of Labrador is in
the hands of traders from the United States, Halifax and Newfoundland.

3rd. I am of opinion that Government should give titles to those at present bond
Me possessors of the posts which they now hold, and to those desirous of establishing
depots, on the payment by them of an annual rent to Government. Confidence
would thus be instilled into these holders, for if it were certain that those to whom
these fishing grounds are granted, might enjoy them in security, great improvements
would be made. Many merchants; I myself among the first, would forthwith take
concessions uf land for fishing depots if we were sure of protection, and that we should
not witness the improvements made awTay with, which would be necessary to carry
on these fisheries in a proper manner.

At the same time the same duties with which our merchandize is burdened,
should h2 imposed by authority on foreign goods, or a remission (drawback) of the
duties granted to us, the advantages possessed by foreigners over us, would thereby
be destroyed — by means of a judicial authority to enable merchants to compel pay-
ment for goods advanced by them, the price of these goods thus advanced,
would be considerably reduced, for at present the merchant is not only ex-
posed to the risk which I have just mentioned, but there being no means of
enforcing payment, he is moreover obliged to trust to the good faith of the fisher-
men.

4th. I consider it very desirable that Government should afford encouragement
to those engaged in the fisheries, at all events, for several years to come, or until
the fisheries shall have assumed a settled condition.

I conceive that the best means of encouragement would be to pay a certain sum
per ton, to every vessel fishing for a certain number of months along the coast, and
to accord some premium to the inhabitants for every quintal of cod taken by them.

I think, that should the Government offer any such encouragement the whale
fishery, which is one of the most lucrative and most important in the Gulf, ought
not to be forgotten. After, a few years encouragement, I am of opinion that it will
become one of the most important objects our commerce.

I think it unnecessary to add, that this encouragement should be accorded at
Quebec.

FRS. BUTEAU.

Quebec, 25th September, 1852.

Perce, County of Gaspe, September 27, 1852.

Dear Sir, — I am in receipt of your circular of the 14th instant, together with
the questions of the Committee on the Fisheries, and in reply, beg leave briefly to
submit the following remarks in answer, as the result of many years experience,

having been about 30 years engaged more or less in prosecuting the fishery busi-
ness, keeping boats and employing men, as well as exporting fish to foreign and
tother markets, to a limited extent, however, compared to some others. In
the first place, I consider those engaged in the fishery in this Province, to be
labouring under almost every disadvantage and discouragement, compared with
other Countries engaged in this branch of business; for instance the Americans, our
neighbours, and the French, the only other nations beside ourselves engaged to
any extent in the fishery, not only allow all articles for the fishery free of duty
or nearly so, but actually encourage the fishery by large bounties, while we, of this
Province, engaged in the same business have, with the exception of salt and lines
and a few other articles, to pay the enormous tariff of from 12 J to 80 per cent. On
all articles of clothing, 12 \ and groceries, with the exception of molasses, the only
sweetening used by the fisherman, it is nearly 30 per cent., consequently the cost of
living to the consumers, is much more expensive, and the merchant, *to enable the
poor fisherman to live, is obliged to give a much higher price for fish than he can
get for them. And as a consequence of all this, we cannot compete with those
other Countries, when we meet with them in the same markets, for they can afford
to sell their fish for much less a price, in the foreign Market than ours cost at
home, and make money, while we must, and do lose; and unless something is done
by our Legislature, to encourage and sustain the fishery, very speedily those
engaged in it will be obliged to abandon the business in despair. I have generally
employed about 30 men in my small establishment, but since the present high
tariff has been imposed, I have reduced it to only 8 or 10 men, and some
others, I know, have reduced from 100 to 30 men and boats accordingly. Not
only the Americans and French fisheries are encouraged, but in all our sister
Provinces, encouragement is given more or less in the shape of Bounty, and their
duties are not so high. I need hardly offer the Committee advice as to the remedy
in some measure, for those difficulties, for it naturally presents itself, first, a reduc-
tion or annihilation of the duties on the necessary articles used by the fisherman,
and secondly, a liberal bounty on all exported fish ; we have borne those imposi-
tions and hardships long enough, viz : high duties, no bounty and the Yankees
allowed to fish in our waters (with the exception of the present year) without let
or hindrance. I do hope the Committee will take all these things into their most
serious consideration and recommend the Legislature to reduce or altogether remove
the duties on all articles needed for the fishery, and to encourage by bounty. Surely
there cannot be an empty chest now, as the answer used almost always to be
when any thing was asked for the fisheries. Hoping I shall be pardoned for the
length and rudeness of my remarks, by the Committee and yourself, I beg leave to
subscribe myself one of the aggrieved fishermen of Gaspe, and yours and the
Committee's

Humble and obedient servant,

W. C. Burrage, Esqr.,

Clerk Committee.

PETER MABEE,

Perce,

Paspebiac, 28th September, 1852.

Sir, — The undersigned have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the
circular severally addressed to them by order of the Committee named to take into
consideration the state of the Fisheries carried on by inhabitants of this Province,
&c. &c. And having met together, respectfully beg leave to submit the result of
their deliberations, for the consideration of the said Committee.

10

The disadvantages under which we labour arc two fold. First, by reason of
the high duty paid in this Province on most articles required for the Fishery.

ndly, the absence of bounties or assistance of any kind.

We there tore consider that the Legislature of this Province would not only
confer a great boon on the Fishermen of the Lower Province, but also benefit the
farmers of Upper Canada, and the trading and manufacturing community, by
affording a bounty of twenty shillings per ton on all small vessels built and fitted
out expressly for the Mackerel, Herring, and deep sea Cod Fishery. The poverty
of the inhabitants generally, along this coast, precluding them from building decked
crafts, for want of means to procure, to them, the only costly part — the iron work,
ging, sails, Sec, &e. This the bounty would enable them to obtain.

In our present position we, cannot compete, either with the Sister Provinces
or the fishermen of the United States, and unless some timely assistance be afforded,
the fisheries.on this coast will gradually dwindle into insignificance.

We would further recommend that a bounty of two shillings be granted to the
fishermen on every quintal of cured Codfish. Seven shillings and six pence on
each barrel of No. 1 Mackerel. Five shillings per barrel on No. 1 Herring, and a
proportionate rate on the lower numbers of each.

These bounties would give new life and vigour to our gradually expiring
fisheries. A large fleet of fishing vessels would be built in the course of a couple
of years, affording profitable employment, not only to our own population, but to
hundreds of young men from the Parishes below Quebec, thus causing an increased
consumption and demand for flour, pork, manufactures, and imports generally.

In addition to bounties we beg leave further to recommend a reduction of duty
on nets, lines, cordage, sail cloth, and all articles required for the fishery, all of
which are obtained on more favourable terms in the neighboring Provinces. -We
will instance the article of molasses fan absolute necessary for Fishermen) which
pays only two pence per gallon in New Brunswick, against five pence half-penny
in Canada, equal to about fifty per cent, on the first cost.

We have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your very obedient servants,

JOHN FAUVEL,

Agent to Charles Robin & Co.
ALFRED CARCAUD,

Agent to LeBoutillier Brothers.

PHILIP YIBERT,
BARNABAS McGIE, J. P.
EDWARD PERREE,
Manager of the firm of Alfred Mansell, Esqr.

Port Daniel, 29lh September, 1852.

Sir, — In answer to the question from the Committee on the Fisheries, I beg to
state that I am not directly engaged in the Fishery, but as all the inhabitants, are
if not directly, indirectly interested in the Fisheries, as it is our staple branch of
Trade, and I rejoice with all others that the Legislators of the Province have taken
a view favorable to the Fishermen. That a bounty or encouragement should be
given to them as in the neighbouring Province, there is no dissenting voice heard,

11

if the Funds of the Province will allow of it without taxing one part of its inhabi-
tants for the encouragement of the other. I recommend as follows, viz : To all
decked Crafts who fit out for the express purpose, and a proof of following the same
of not less than six months, ten shillings Currency, per ton on register, and four
shillings per Barrel for No. 1 Mackerel, others in proportion, two shillings and six
pence for No. 1 Herring, five shillings per barrel for No. 1 Salmon, others in pro-
portion ; one shilling per quintal of Dry Cod Fish, and that all fishermen fishing in
boats or in shore be entitled and receive the same, always to be understood that no
boat catching less than twenty quintals Cod Fish, or less than ten barrels of Mackerel
or Herring, five barrels of Salmon, shall be entitled to receive anything, as it is
understood for an encouragement for the man who takes the fish. I recommend
that the bounty or encouragement if any, shall be paid upon proof of the quantities
taken through the hands of the Municipal Council or Collectors, and not through
the merchants whom the fishermen generally suppose will not do them justice in
such cases. I further strongly recommend that all duties be removed from all
articles required for the Fisheries. I also recommend low bounties, as at any future
time they can be increased at pleasure while to decrease them would be attended
with discouragement to the fishermen. For further information I refer the Com-
mittee to David LeBoutillier, Esq., M. P. P. for the County Bonaventure, who is
thoroughly versed en the subject.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,

william Mcpherson.

To Wm. C. Burrage, Esq.,

Clerk to Committee on Fisheries,
Quebec.

New Carlisle, 1st October, 1852.

Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the circular you addressed
to me from the Committee of the House of Assembly, to which a general answer
has been sent, signed by other gentlemen and myself; but the subject is one of
such vital importance, not only to this District but the entire Province, that I beg
leave most respectfully to add some further remarks.

The subject of the North American Fisheries is one which has occupied my
attention for the last twenty years, having been personally concerned and interested
therein with parties trading on this coast, previous to my leaving London for this
quarter, (in the capacity of Chief Superintendent of the Gasp6 Fishery and Coal
Mining Company,) and my family connexions in the Island of Jersey are ex-
tensively engaged therein on various parts of the Newfoundland coast. A
residence in Gaspe of upwards of seven years, during which I have carefully
inspected the entire sea-board on this side of the St. Lawrence, has enabled
me to become thoroughly conversant with all the practical details of our fishing
operations.

In old and wealthy nations, like the Mother Country, I fully admit the inex-
pediency of Bounties. But our position is widely different: capital, that great
motive power of all extensive commercial operations, is wanting. The entire
population of British North America engaged in the Fisheries may be said to be
comparatively poor — the result of past improvidence. When the shore-catch was
abundant and prices remunerative, the uneducated fishermen had no thought for
the morrow. The sea yielded to him an abundant harvest, and he considered her
treasures inexhaustible. But a new era has now been entered upon in the history

12

of our, Fisheries. The vast shoals of codfish which formerly spread along our
shores, no longer enter the bays, but keep in deep water, being intercepted by the
immense fleel oi' American schooners which repair to the fishing grounds with
the first open water each successive spring. This vast fleet owes its existence
and yearly increase to the Bounty by which the United States Government has
wisely created and fostered it. A similar provision in this Colony would
enable us to compete with the Americans; and a few years would suffice to cause
a number of small schooners to be built in every creek and harbour along mis
coast, in which our hardy fishermen could repair to the Banks, and secure a fair
share of the wealth now swept away by strangers.

Such a stop would also be an act of humanity on the part of our Legislators,
as the more daring of our fishermen repair to the Banks in their small open boats,
to the imminent risk of life and property, in addition to the severe hardships they
endure, each successive year adding to the number of those who sleep in an
ocean grave.

If our fishermen were enabled to meet the Americans on equal terms, they,
the Americans, would no longer secure the lion's share of the spoil. This would
check the increase of their fishing fleet, and gradually reduce it, because they
have to come a long distance, where a few hour's sail suffices to place our people
on the fishing grounds. At present the case is reversed, as those of our fishermen
who repair to the Banks, can scarcely be said to have two days' fishing in each
week, the other four being lost in going to and fro, &c. The American, on the
contrary, remains quietly at his work until his schooner is loaded, each vessel
performing two voyages in the course of the Summer.

If a Bounty were granted, two or three heads of families would unite to build
a schooner, procuring the timber on their own, or waste lands of the Crown. The
hull being thus obtained without much outlay, the merchants would advance the
outfit, to be repaid by the Bounty. Without some such aid, a boat is all that our
fishermen can afford to build. The merchant wiil not advance for the outfit of a
schooner, when he can only depend on the exertions of the owner for his return,
to which must be added the risk of loss by dangers of the sea. The hulls of
three schooners are now rotting on the beach, within a short distance of my resi-
dence, because the builders had not the means of procuring the necessary tackle
and apparel.

The Bounty given to the people of the United States, enables them not only
to supply their own wants, but to become our competitors in the West India,
Brazilian, and other Foreign Markets. Turn again to France, where a Bounty of
ten francs, equal to eight shillings and four pence sterling, is paid on every
quintal offish imported into France. When sent to a Foreign Market, a lesser
Bounty is allowed, but as I write from memory only, I cannot state the precise
amount. To this add two hundred francs (I believe) for each apprentice shipped
in vessels engaged in the Fishery, and an additional sum if she perform two
voyages. The French are also our rivals in Foreign Markets, and when, as was
the case last year, prices are ruinously low in Foreign Ports, the Bounly enables
the French merchant to make a saving voyage, when ours suffer a serious loss.

Want of time prevents my entering into further details.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,

PHILIP VIBERT

W. C. Burrage, Esquire,

&c, &c.

13

Cape Cove, 7 (k October, 1852.

Sir, — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 14th ultimo,
isting my opinion on the slate of the Fisheries carried on in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence or Labrador Coast.

1 have been engaged in the Fisheries in the County of Gaspe, for the last
twenty-seven years, during which time I have carried on the fishing myself, and
have supplied the planters and fishermen to carry on the fishing. When I first
came to this place, one boat and two men, would catch as many quintals of Cod
Fish, as three boats or six men can now do ; the reason for this difference is, that
our neighbours (the Americans) are permitted to fish too close to our shores, (three
miles) and to trespass year after year on our fishing grounds, obliging our fisher-
men to risk their lives in their small open boats, to fish at a distance of ten leagues
from shore, and to toil days and nights in all kinds of weather. The change
among the Roman Catholics, in the manner of keeping Lent, has occasioned a con-
siderable diminution in the consumption of fish, and the heavy duties that have
been imposed upon our imported goods, and no encouragement worth speaking of,
having been allowed us, our fishermen are consequently in a state of great misery,
and having in some instances been compelled to engage themselves on board
American schooners, while others have gone to Quebec, to seek employment. The
neighbouring Provinces have the means of under-selling us, in consequence of the
bounty they receive, and the importation of the goods necessary for the Fisheries,
free of duty.

I am of opinion that the articles necessary for the carrying on of the Fisheries
only, should be admitted free of duty, such as, Nets, Seines, Lines, Hooks, Lead,
Cordage, Boat Sails, Graplings, Gaff and Fishing Boats, and that a bounty of
per quintal should be granted for dry Codfish cured by themselves, according to
the quantity taken.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,

THOMAS SAVAGE.
W. C. Burrage, Esquire,
&c, &c.

Quebec, 2\st October, 1852.

Gentlemen, — In answer to the questions submitted to me by the Committee on
the subject of the Gulf or Labrador Fisheries, I have the honor to state that I have
been engaged in the Fisheries for the last ten years, and have had many proofs of the
disadvantage and discouragement that the operative fishermen have to contend
with.

The duties levied on every article requisite for the fisheries are so high that
it is impossible for any man, however industrious, to live by his earnings. The con-
sequence is now, that those engaged in the principal fishing ports in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, those who embarked largely in that trade have abandoned it, and their
capital employed in a different channel.

I would, therefore, consider it would be advantageous for that particular trade
that all articles necessary for the use of fishermen and the curing of fish should be
imported duty free, and a bounty corresponding to that allowed by the American
Government to their fishermen be granted to the fishermen, subjects of Her Majesty.

I am led to understand that a very large trade in fish has been carried on some
years ago between the Gulf St. Lawrence and the West India Islands, which trade is
now altogether lost to this Province in consequence of excessive duties and a total
absence of encouragement.

14

These obstructions to the industry of our Gulf and Labrador operatives close a
mine of wealth Lying almost at their feet, which a Legislative enactment removing
the obstructive duties, and granting the encouragement of a moderate bounty to the
operative fishermen, say of twenty shillings per ton, would create a spirit of enterprise
and contentment amongst the inhabitants, and prove of vast advantage to the Pro-

I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,

WILLIAM CORBET.

(No. 449.)

Inspector General's Office,

Quebec, 23rd October, 1852.

Sir, — In compliance with the request of the Committee of the Legislative
Assembly, appointed " to inquire into the state of the Fisheries carried on in the
"Gulf of St. Lawrence," as conveyed in your letter of the 20th instant, I have
the honor to inclose a statement of the Revenue from the District of Gaspe, for the
years 1846 to 1851 inclusive, and so much of the year of 1852 for which Returns
have been received.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,

To W. C Burrage, Esquire,

Clerk' of Committees, Legislative Assembly.

JOSEPH CARY,

Deputy Inspector.

Statement of the Revenue from the District of Gaspe from the year 1846 to 1851,
and so much of the year 1852, for which Returns have been received :

Ports.

1846.

1847.

1848.

1849.

1850.

1851.

1852.
to 5th Ju

iy:

£.
989

1461

158

2609
!

S.

8

13

17
19

D.
3

11

5

7

£.
627

2020

278
2926

S.

9

8
L6

14

I>.
3

9

3

3

£.
468

1317

107
1893

s.
10

17

±

12

D.

3

0

i

5

£.
2053

2053

388

4497

s.
8

0

15

9

I).

6
2
8

£.
1918

1239

418

3676

1

S.
14

1

12

8

I).

7

3

7
5

£.

1708

1274

111

3094

s.

10
12
11
14

10

4
0
2

£.

884

1243

107

2235

1

s.

4

8

in

3

D.

10

1

Amherst,

Total, District,

10

1

Inspector General's Office,

Quebec, 22nd October, 1852.

JOSEPH CARY,

Deputy Inspector General.

Halifax, Nova Scotia,
3rd November, 1852.

Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters dated 6th
September and 21st October.

I herewith enclose the Acts for the protection of the Fisheries of British North
America, and will endeavour to send you some further information on the subject
alluded to.

15

I beg to say, that the honor of being the medium to convey such information
as I can procure for the Committee, is of itself quite a sufficient recompense for
any trouble which may attend it.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,

HENRY TRACE,

Comptroller Her Majesty's Customs.

To the Committee of the Legislative Assembly.

Gentlemen, — In answer to your communication of yesterday, I have been
engaged in the Trade and Fisheries of the Labrador, the past sixteen years. I have
visited more than forty Harbours on that coast, and have given evidence to the Imperial
Government, the Legislature of Newfoundland, and information to SirG. W. Sey-
mour, the Admiral of the North American Station, on the subject of the Fisheries.
The Fisheries and Trade of Labrador labour under great and serious disadvantages —
they are these; on the importation of fish, oils, furs, salmon, &c., the produce of
Labrador (comprising its exports) into Canada, a duty is imposed of 12| per cent.,
while the same articles imported thence into Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island pay no duties.

Labrador has a sea coast of 1,000 miles ; in the fishing season a population of
over 30,000, w^ho import all the provisions they consume and export to the amount
of £800,000 to £1,000,000 annually. The Americans and Nova Scotians fully
alive to the profitable trade and rich fisheries of Labrador have, by every means
in their power, endeavoured to foster and encourage it, consequently the United
States and Nova Scotia each send many hundreds of fishing and trading vessels to
Labrador, and this trade is yearly increasing, while north of Lance Sablon there is not,
I believe, a single Canadian fishing or trading vessel. The advantages of the Trade
and Fisheries of Labrador must therefore be evident, and I would suggest that all
restrictions and duties should be removed, and the trade thrown open, and that a
trade with a country which would consume so much of the produce of Canada,
and where no duties are or can be collected or imposed, in consequence of its being
under no direct Government, (the Americans having the same right of fishery as
British subjects,) should, by every legitimate means, be encouraged.

In my opinion it is impolitic to begin a system of bounties, but should the
other North American Colonies do so, (not otherwise) it would be an encourage-
ment to, and 'twould enable your fishermen to compete with Americans and others,
if a bonnty of 20s per ton, Register, were given to all vessels under 100 tons,
fitted out in and belonging to the Colony or hired for such purpose by a resident,
which vessel should be bona fide employed in the fishery, and absent on such voy-
age for four months.

Your obedient servant,

MATTHEW H. WARREN.

Quebec, 28th October, 1852.

Quebec, 1st November, 1852.

Sir, — I have to apologize in not replying before this to the inquiries made in
your letter of the 10th of September, in reference to the Fisheries in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence or the Labrador Coast, but a press of business has prevented me from
attending to the same.

16

The house in which I am senior partner, has been acting as agents for a number
of establishments, residing at Gaspe and the Labrador Coast, engaged in the fishing
business for nearly 20 yt irs, and during that period cannot remember a single year
but what complaints have been made to us of the difficulties houses engaged in the
fishing business have had to contend with, in having to compete in Foreign markets
with rivals, receiving from their Government large bounties, either on the fish itself
or given to vessels engaged in that business, and I can say with confidence, if a
small protection or bounty, say 2s. 6d. per cwt., was made on all fish exported to
Foreign markets, in British vessels, that the trade of the Province would be most
materially benefitted thereby, and a large increase of business be the result. And a
further benefit would occur by the admission, duty free, of salt, declared to be
imported for that purpose.

With respect to our trade with Labrador, it has not increased in any thing like
the proportion that it should Jo, when compared with the increase of the population
on that coast, which I have no hesitation in saying is caused by the impolitic course
adopted by our Government in levying duties on their produce, when imported
from without the Province, thus driving the trade into the hands of the Americans,
and our neighbours of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, who frequent the Labrador
in incredible numbers during the Summer season ; and as there is nothing in the
shape of a Custom House for hundreds of miles on the coast, the vessels trading
there, supply the inhabitants with a large proportion of flour, provisions, &c, required,
in payment for fish, furs, oils, &c, which, were it not for the duty already referred-
to, would, to a large extent, find its way here for sale, and returns would be sent
from this in flour, provisions, &c. What makes the matter appear more inconsistent
on our part, is that the very produce, (when imported direct, is charged with a pro-
hibitory duty.) is admitted, via Nova Scotia, and cleared as their produce, duty free.

I would here remark that several of our correspondents residing at Forteaux,
wTho have been doing business with us for a number of years, have threatened unless
the Act is repealed, to quit the trade writh Canada, and confine their transactions
with Nova Scotia and the United States.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,

HY. J. NOAD.

To the Chairman of the Committee

on the State of the Fisheries.

Custom House, Saint Johns,
Newfoundland, ltith November, 1852.

' gin, — I have had the honor to receive your letter dated the 9th ultimo,
requesting me to afford certain information to the Committee of the Canadian
Legislative Assembly, on the subject of the Fisheries prosecuted from this Island, to
which I beg leave to remark as follows : —

That I have employed a competent person to prepare the following described
Returns in connection therewith, at considerable labour, which will, I have no doubt,
be found on investigation, to convey much useful information to the Committee.

1. An account of all goods imported into this Island from various countries,
with their respective values and quantities, for the year 1851, shewing whence the
supplies for the Fisheries are derived.

2. An account of the staple articles, the produce of the Fisheries exported to
all parts, with their values and quantities, and value of all other exports for the same
period.

17

3. An account of all vessels entered inwards, and cleared outwards in this
Island, (distinguishing British and Foreign) with their tonnage and men, and shew-
ing the trade with the different countries.

4. Table, shewing the rates of all duties payable on articles imported into
Newfoundland, (in British Sterling, or in Spanish Dollars, at the rate of 4s. 4d. each
dollar) together with a list of all goods exempt therefrom, on importation here.

5. An account of all vessels cleared outwards in Newfoundland, for the Spring
Seal Fishery in the year 1851, with their tonnage and number of men employed.

And I beg leave to report further, that no bounties whatever are granted
either by the British or Colonial Government, in furtherance of the prosecution of the
British Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries.

That these Fisheries arc confined to the catch of Cod, Seal, Salmon, Herrings,
and Caplin on the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Bank Fishery being
no longer prosecuted.

That they extend around this Island, (except at such places as are held under
Treaty by the French Government, including the Island of St. Pierres, Miquelon,
and Langley,) and on the coast of Labrador, from the entrance of Hudson's
Straight, to a line drawn due North and South from Aux Sablon to the 52. of North
latitude.

That the British Fisheries have been annually protected by the visit of a man-
of-war, in Summer at the Western Ports, and by a ship-of-war, occasionally at Labra-
dor ; but the present season the British Admiral personally visited this Port in a
line of battle ship, and was accompanied by a steam ship, and several others, smaller
armed vessels, with a view to protection ; added to which, the Local Government
employed the present year, two small hired vessels only, for a similar purpose ; and
to prevent the French encroaching or taking bait in British waters, which is repre-
sented as having had a very favorable effect : such revenue hired craft were paid off
at the end of the fishing season.

That the supposed number of vessels and boats, and fishermen employed in the
Fisheries on this coast and Labrador the past year, is as follows, viz : —

Vessels and Boats, 4,570

Tonnage thereof, 37,800

Men engaged therein, 17,670

Those vessels which are engaged at Labrador, return at the close of the fishing
season, bringing back the families of the fishermen who have assisted in the cure of
fish there.

That the Seal Fishery is prosecuted in registered decked vessels, fitted and
sailing direct from this Island ; all of which depart about the 1st March in each
year, and return to port as soon as. a sufficient success may attend the enterprise ;
they are usually from 50 to 200 tons, and are manned with compliments varying
from 30 to 60 persons in each.

The other Fisheries, before referred to, are prosecuted in the Summer months,
or between May and October.

That the Labrador Coast is visited yearly by fishermen and trading vessels
from the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, and neighboring Provinces as well ;
bat where no Custom House is established, duties collected, or other Revenue
regulations exist.

That from and after the 10th October, 1849, all Imperial duties ceased to exist
in this country, and goods are now only subject to one Colonial rate on importation,,
as per table annexed.

That in order to obtain early Foreign fish in markets in Europe, numerous
British and Spanish vessels sail from the ports of this Island, between July and
S eptember, for British ports at Labrador, in ballast, and there load accordingly,.

B45

18

which saves the expense of the transportation and final landing or re-shipment in
this country, of such commodities, as Cod Fish, Salmon, Herrings, and Fish Oils.

In conclusion, I hog leave further to observe, that Newfoundland contains a
population consisting of 95,000 souls, who arc depending principally, if not altoge-
ther, on other countries for food and supplies ; and as the prosecution of agricul-
tural pursuits has not been found to answer, except as an auxiliary to our Fisheries,
I humbly conceive, that a vast extended trade may he hcneficially opened up with
Canada, in the supply by her, of all description of provisions, now particularly, in
exchange for the staple articles of this Colony, such as Cod Fish, Cod and Seal Oils,
Seal Skins, Herrings, Salmon, Mackarel and Caplin, if such commerce were estab-
lished upon a fair basis of Legislative reciprocity.

Should further information be required by the Committee in future, I shall be
happy in furnishing it on your application.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,

GEOUGE J. HAYWARD,

Comptroller of Customs

and Navigation Laws.
W. C. Barrage, Esquire,

Clerk, Committee Legislative Assembly,
Quebec.

D*

Point St. Petek, 11th November, 1852.

Sir, — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 14th September last,
with general questions subjoined by the Committee to whom is referred the con-
sideration of the state of the Fisheries, carried on by the inhabitants of the Province
or other British subjects in the Gulf of St. Lawrence or Labrador coast, and request-
ing me to transmit to you my answer thereto. In compliance with that request, I
have the honor, through you, of informing the Committee that, as Agent here of
Abraham DeGruchy, Esquire, of the Island of Jersey, I am engaged, concerned,
and interested in the Fisheries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, by conducting one of
the most extensive establishments in that business at this place, where I fit out and
supply a considerable number of fishing boats for the Cod Fisheries in the Gulf,
under, my own management and superintendence, and also supply a considerable
number of the minor fishing establishments of this place, and for twenty miles along
this coast, in every article they require, for their Cod Fishing, at their establishments ;
and Mr. DeGruchy's establishment has so existed here since the year 1836. I am
not aware of any disadvantages under which the Fisheries of this Province labor
under c )mpared with the Fisheries carried on from neighbouring Provinces. But
the Fisheries of this, as well as the neighbouring British Provinces, I am under the
necessity of explaining, labor under great disadvantages as compared with the
Fisheries carried on from France, the United States of America, and other Foreign
nations, by the respective Governments of these Foreign nations extending to their
Fisheries great encouragement, by exemptions from duties on every article required
for their Fisheries, and liberal Bounties, whereby their Fish Curers are enabled to
undersell the Fish Curers of this and the neighbouriug British Provinces in all
Foreign markets, and could even, if they were so disposed, undersell them in their
home consumption — whereby this branch of business, which, in the Foreign nations
referred to, is a source of wealth and commercial and naval importance, has, in this
and the neighbouring British Provinces, become so depressed and insignificant as to
be scarcely worth following after, These disadvantages, coupled with the encroach-

19

merits, for some years past, allowed to be made by the fishermen of the United States
of America, with impunity, on the British fishing grounds in the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
in the face of the existing Treaty of 1818, has depressed and discouraged this branch
of business, that several, formerly very extensively engaged therein, have of late years
entirely abandoned it, and embarked their capital in other pursuits; while those who
have not as yet followed their example, have so curtailed their business, that often
poverty, want and wretchedness has ensued among their fellow- creatures, who
formerly made a tolerably good living. It is true that last season these British fish-
ing grounds were well protected by Her Majesty's ships of war cruizing in the Gulf,
whereby a more successful fishing was realized than has been experienced for many
seasons bygone ; and in anticipation that the same protection will be continued, and
in consecpience of this Committee having been appointed by the Honourable House
of Assembly to take into consideration the state of the Fisheries in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence and Labrador coast, giving pressage that something effectually beneficial
is about to be done to encourage and promote the Fisheries of this Province, several
of those who had abandoned the business are making preparations for resuming the
same, and it is to be hoped they will not be disappointed in their expectations. I
am clearly of opinion, that the only good that can be done for these Fisheries is to
continue the protective force in the Gulf, extend to those engaged therein encourage-
ment by exemptions from duty on every article required for the use of the Fisheries,
and bestowing upon them such liberal Bounties as are extended to those engaged in
the fishing business in the United States of America. In short, to assimilate the
Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Fisheries in this Province as nearly as practicable
to the Laws, Rules and Regulations of the United States of America. Such en-
couragement, I am satisfied, will satisfy the most fastidious, and enable all engaged
therein to prosecute with spirit and energy a branch of business which gives employ-
ment to thousands of all ages and sexes.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,

JAMES ALEXANDER.
W. C. Furrage, Esquire,

Clerk Fishery Committee,

House of Assembly,

Quebec.

To the Committee of the Legislative Assembly on Fisheries.

Being one of those constituting the Committee on the Fisheries, I there-
fore consider it my duty to give my views on the matter, having been en-
gaged in the Fisheries in Gaspe, twenty- five years, and at Labrador for the last
ten }7ears. I can positively state that the people of this Province, engaged in those
fisheries cannot compete with the French, American, and even with those of our
Sister Provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Island of Prince Edward.
The French Government grant a bounty of 10 francs for every quintal of dry fish
cured by French subjects and brought into France ; the Americans allow7 a bounty
of 20s. per ton, measurement, of Vessels ; Nova Seotia grants 20s. per ton, and
Prince Edward Island 12s. 6d. per ton, and £400 in prizes; New Brunswick allows
no tonnage bounty, but admits fishing tackle and other materials used for the
Fisheries, free of duty. Under these circumstances, it is impossible for the fishermen
of this Province to compete with their neighbours, and to trade in the same market.
I would recommend a bounty of 20s. per ton measurement, for every decked
vessel registered in this Province, engaged in the Cod and Mackarel Fisheries, during

20

the season, say four months, this would in part enable us to compete with the
American fishermen, who charge us a duty of 20 per cent on fish imported by us into
the United States. In the Bay of C'haleurs where the American vessels resort, in
scores for mackarel, there is not a vessel of this Province so engaged, but if a
bounty were given, it would be the means of enabling our fishermen to build
schooners, and to adopt the same system of fishing as the Americans. The amount
so paid by the Province would, in part be made up by the duty on luxuries, of 12^
per cent, which the fishermen would use, if they could compete and live as well as
their neighbours; but under the present system, they can only realize the common
necessaries of life. I am of opinion that measures should also be taken to encourage,
if possible, and by all means, the labouring fisherman industriously pursuing in
his boat his occupation, and business at the fisheries; for instance, 1 would give a
bounty of one shilling per quintal for dried fish, to any boat's crew of two men, who,
fishing at least five months in the season, should take 80 quintals, or over. The
annual appropriation for this encouragement to the Fisheries need not exceed
£5,000. There formerly was a considerable trade with the West Indies, which has
long ceased to exist, from the total inability of our merchants to compete in those
markets with the Americans, and other foreigners. If encouragement were given,
so as to revive that important trade, we should recover a hundred fold in our
revenue, an}r small outlay we might make in promoting it. Our Fisheries are
depressed beyond measure, whilst those of our neighbours are flourishing, and
who, by means of them, carry on a profitable trade with the West Indies, South
America, and the Mediterranean. I am of opinion that the produce of our own
Gulf fisheries, if encouraged, would supply us in return with West India produce,
more than necessary, for the supply of the whole consumption of the Province.

The olelest merchants in the trade of the fisheries are now fast curtailing their
business for want of Legislative encouragement. The Government will, in my
opinion, be highly blameable, if it does not extend its care and protection to the
Fisheries. This we have long sought, and still seek for, not as a matter of favor
but of justice, and we entertain a hope the Government will finally attend to our
just demands.

DAVID LEBOUTILLIER, M. P. P.

Quebec, 8th November, 1852.

Stk November, 1852.

Mr. Francis Ahier,of Gaspe havingperused the matter submitted to the Committee,
by David Le Boutillier, Esq., Member for Bonaventure, says, he concurs in all that is
stated by that gentleman. A long residence in the Bay of Gaspe, that is to say
since 1824, during which time he has been constantly concerned in the trade and
fisheries, enables him to state with confidence that this branch of national industry
having to contend as it does, with fisheries carried on at their doors by Foreigners
encouraged by bounties as well as by their fellow subjects of the neighbouring Pro-
vinces, enjoying also encouragement, is going downwards. We cannot compete in
Foreign markets with them. We have no trade for instance with the West Indies,
although it might, if we had any thing like a liberal encouragement, carry on an
extensive trade with those Islands, particularly in our inferior fish — fish of the best
quality being sent to the Mediterranean and South America markets. The conse-
quence is, that a large portion of the inferior fish of the Gaspe District goes to
Halifax, whence it goes to the West India markets, by means of which the Halifax
merchants carry on a profitable trade, bringing home West India produce in return,
which he sends to Canada, deriving a handsome profit from a trade which we
altogether forego for want of encouragement from the Legislature of our own
Province, which most unaccountably seems insensible of the value of the fisheries

21

and immense trade that might be carried on through them. I think the
bounty of a shilling per quintal of dried Codfish to a boat's crew of two
men, realising eighty quintals or over in any one season, scarcely a sufficient
encouragement, considering the very low ebb at which, for want of protec-
tion for the time past, the fisheries actually are reduced; lam of opinion that
if a bounty is to be given to the fishermen, it should be at least for the first season,
one shilling and six pence, which for eighty quintals would make <£6 or £3 for
each man. This really would be an extra encouragement, though after all a small
one, for five months' hard labor. Boat's crews not realizing eighty quintals, of course
would get no bounty. Thus the laborious and industrious would be rewarded, and
the country's trade would be the gainer, while the idle and negligent fishermen
would profit nothing, at least, through the treasury of the Province ; whereas those
who should take eighty quintals or more would certainly get something worth while,
for instance, a boat's crew who should take in the season 100 quintals, (which, in
good seasons, is not unusual) would be entitled to £7 10s., and so on for any greater
quantity. The Legislature should, of course, provide against imposition, and take
care that the precise quantity taken by each boat's crew claiming the bounty be
faithfully ascertained. I do not suggest anything on this head, as it is matter of
detail only to be considered if the Legislature thinks fit to grant bounties.

Quebec, 23rd Felruanj, 1853.

Sir, — In acknowledging receipt of your communication of the 17th instant, I
beg leave to state hi reply to the question put to me by the Committee to whom is
refered the consideration of the state of the Fisheries.

That I have not for many years had any concern in commerce, and consequently
do not supply any house concerned in the Fisheries.

In reply to the general question, I beg further to state it is too self-evident to
make it a question, that the Fisheries cannot be carried on to advantage, if at all,
unless in some way encouraged by Legislative aid.

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island allowing a bounty on
fish, it is impossible that Canada, not being so immediately in the vicinity of the
Fishing Grounds, can compete with them.

Many years ago when I was concerned in commerce, an Act was in force of the
Imperial Parliament, I believe, 14 George 3rd, by which, under a Schedule, a certain
value was affixed to certain articles, the produce of the West Indies and Canada ;
any person shipping Canada produce mentioned in the said Schedule, was permitted
to bring a return cargo of articles likewise mentioned in the Schedule free of duty
to the same amount shipped. The effect of this was to afford a constant demand
for Canada produce at an enhanced price, and to enable the farmers and inhabitants
to obtain the articles received in return at a reduced price. At that period the
West India trade was very considerable, as the shipment of flour and other articles
was generally made to the West Indies, not only by our own shippers, but also
those of the other Colonies, as their vessels were sent to Quebec to load for the pur-
pose of obtaining the advantage of the return cargo. Since that Act has been repealed
there has been no trade of any consequence with the West Indies. I can suggest
no better mode of encouraging the Fisheries (although I am aware that protection
in any shape is considered objectionable) under the peculiar situation in which this
Colony is placed, arising out of the protection given by all the surrounding Colonies,
than a revival of that Act, with some changes and alterations to make it more appli-
cable to the present state of the commerce of the country, by the addition of some
articles not included in the Schedule, and leaving out others. Bum, for instance,
was one of the articles of import which may now well be left out, and if my recol-
lectton is correct, I think Fish was not one of the articles of export mentioned, as

22

vessels that came up from Halifax generally purchased their fish below— a reference
to the Act may, no doubt, suggest other articles. At the period I speak of, horses,
which were one of the enumerated articles, were reared by the fanners for expor-
tation, and a considerable commerce existed in that article, which has entirely, I
believe, ceased to exist. A reference to the books of the Custom House will show
the various articles shipped to the West Indies when that Act was in ibrce. Vessels
loading for the West Indies necessarily required many articles, the produce of the
country, to make up an assorted cargo, such as apples, onions, potatoes, butler, &c,
&c, all of which was beneficial to the farmer, and in various ways the loss of duty
on the return cargo was amply made up to the country.

Your obedient servant,

BENJAMIN TREMAIN.
To W. C. Bun-age, Esq.

[Extract from a letter received from Gaspe, to the Chairman of the Commilttee.)

Messrs. LeBoutillier and Fauvel are great advocates for "protection," as last
season, the beneficial effects of which are already felt, in the rise, both of the Ameri-

can and Colonial markets. The Americans know better than our Coh

Govern-

ment, the immense wealth, which we have in our Gulf and Shore Fisheries, which
indeed are the very Peru of British America, and they are most anxious to partici-
pate in them in common with the Colonists, but these must know right well, that
the thing is not safe or practicable without annexation, and that if we cannot get
" Reciprocity" without sharing our Fisheries with Foreigners, we should do without

it, as w^e have done before

An Account of all the vessels cleared outwards in the Island of Newfoundland, for
the Spring Seal Fishery in the year 1851, with their tonnage and number of
men employed.

From what Ports sailed.

St. Johns, ,

Harbor Grace,

Spaniard's Bay,

Carbunear,

Bri^us, Cupids and Port de Grace,

Trinity and Catalina

New Palican and Hart's Harbour,

Greenspond,

Bay Bulls, Aquafort and Reviews, ,. .

Total employed from the Island

GEO. J. HAYWARD,
Comptroller of Customs and Navigation Laws.

Custom House, St. Johns,

Newfoundland, 16th November, 1852.

Ships

Tons.

Men.

No.

No.

No.

■ 92

9200

3480

64

5949

2398

5

439

192

34

3408

1226

57

5809

2019

30

2573

999

11

927

367

23

1740

696

7

651

252

323

30,19(5

11,629

Point St. Peter, Gaspe,

24th November, 1852.

Septe:
of the

%

23

jccts in the Gulf of St. Lawrence or Labrador Coast, we have the honor to inform
the said Committee that we are engaged and concerned, on onr own account, in the
Cod Fisheries carried on in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence to a considerable degree,
having a pretty extensive fishing establishment at this place, where we fit out and
supply a good many fishing boats under our own superintendence, and also advance
and supply a good many smaller concerns and British fishermen with every article
they require for their Cod Fisheries in the Gulf, taking payment for these advances
and supplies in cod fish taken by these concerns and fishermen in the Gulf in the
course of the fishing season, as we were formerly, as agents of Messrs. John and
Francis Perree, of the Island of Jersey, engaged and concerned in these Fisheries.
We must confess that we are not much acquainted with the Fisheries carried on in
the Gulf or Labrador from the neighbouring British Provinces, and therefore not
prepared to say that the Fisheries of this Province labor under disadvantages com-
pared with the Fisheries carried on from the neighbouring British Provinces. But
we know and feel the great disadvantages under which the British Fisheries in this
as well as these neighbouring Provinces have to contend as compared with the
Fisheries carried on from the United States of America, France and other Foreign
nations, in consequence of the vast encouragement granted by the respective
Governments, of these Foreign nations to their Fisheries, by exemptions from duty
on every article required for their Fisheries, and by liberal bounties and other
allowances, whereby th y are enabled to undersell the Fish Curers of this and the
neighbouring British Provinces in all Foreign countries, and could also undersell
them in their own home markets — truly producing such a depression in the fishing
business of this and the neighbouring British Provinces as to render it so unprofitable
as to be not worth following after. The Fishermen of the United States of America
having, for a number of years, been permitted in the face of the existing Treaty of
1818, to encroach upon the British Fishing Grounds in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence,
to the great injury of the British Fisheries therein, is another grievance with which
the British Fisheries in this Province, as well as the neighbouring British Pro-
vinces, have had these years to labor under ; and all these disadvantages combined
have so operated upon many who were extensively engaged therein as to abandon the
same, and invest their capitals in other more profitable employment — while those
who have continued to follow after the fishing business have so much limited their
investments as to be seriously felt by the poor fishermen in this quarter. The pro-
tection, howTever, afforded to the British Fisheries last season in the Gulf of the St.
Lawrence by Her Majesty's ships of war, having enabled those concerned in the
Cod Fisheries in this quarter to realize a more successful fishing last season than
they had done for a great many years previously ; and in the expectation that the
same protection will be continued in time to come, with fhe belief that something
effectual will be forthwith recommended by the aforesaid Committe to ameliorate the
condition of those engaged in the fishing business in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence,
has so operated upon some of those who had abandoned the business that they are
making preparations for resuming the same, and it is to be hoped they will not be
disappointed in their just expectations. The exemption from duty on every article
required for the Fisheries in this Province, and the extension of liberal bounties and
similar other allowances to those engaged and concerned therein, as are extended
and allowed to those engaged and concerned in the Fisheries from the United States
of America, would be a great and advisable boon to be given to those engaged and
concerned in the Fisheries in the Gulf of the St, Lawrence in this Province, and
would enable them to compete with the Fish Curers of other nations. And there-
fore a continuation of the protection offered by Her Majesty last season to our
Fisheries, and the extension to those engaged and concerned therein of bounties and
other allowances as nearly similar as possible as are granted to those engaged and
concerned in the Fisheries of the United States of America, are the only measures
we can suggest that would remove the disadvantages under which the Fisheries in the

24

Gulpli and Labrador labor under, as compared with the Fisheries carried on from
| ce, the United States of America and other Foreign nations. In short we are
of opinion, that unless the laws, rules, regulations, bounties, allowances and advan-
tag s of tHe Fisheries of this Province, carried on in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and
Labrador coast are assimilated as nearly as practicable to the laws, rules, regulations,
bountic s, allowances red advantages of the United States of America, that this branch
of business which gives employment to thousands of all ages,must be entirely abandoned
We have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient servants,

JOHN and ELIAS COLLAS.
W. C. Burrage, Esq.,

Clerk Committee,
Quebec.

The following letter from Captain (now Rear Admiral) Edward Boxer, to
the Executive Government on being called for by the Committee, were laid before
it, by direction of the Honorable, the Provincial Secretary.

(Copy.;

Quebec, 81st O-jtober, 1848.

Sir, — I have the honor to forward to you, for His Excellency's information?
copy of a letter I have addressed "to Rear Admiral Sir F. Beaufort, Hydrographer
of the Navy, in answer to his request to supply him with a list of all those places, at
which it had appeared to me, from my professional experience, it would be desirable
a Light-house should be established, the establishment of Light-houses in our Colo-
nial possessions, occupying at present the deliberations of Her Majesty's Govern-
ment ; and having served many years in this country, and given this important sub-
ject much consideration, and experiencing the great want of them while serving in
the Saint Lawrenee, in command of Her Majesty's ships Hussar and Pique.

I beg, therefore, respectfully to call His Excellency's attention to those I have
considered of importance should be established without delay ; the great loss of life
and property that takes place annually, and the high rate of insurance on the trade
in consequence, (ten per cent being now charged) with the prospect of the trade
increasing, should the free navigation of the Saint Lawrence be granted, calls, in
my opinion, for a further increase in those necessary guides for their safety, and I
beg to assure His Excellency that the most experienced Masters in the Quebec and
Montreal trade are also of my opinion, and when this great object can be obtained
with so trifling an expense in their erection and maintenance, compared to its im-
portance to the Province and its trade, the annual expense in maintaining them
would not require more than three farthings a ton on the shipping, and their erec-
tion not more than £5,000, with the appropriated grant for the improvement of the
navigation from Quebec to the sea, in addition to the 4d. per ton required for our
present establishments, which was unanimously approved of in a Bill introduced by
the Attorney General in the House of Assembly in 1847, but thrown out by the
Legislative Council, but which is absolutely necessary, should be again brought for-
ward at the next meeting of the Provincial Parliament, otherwise the present reve-
nue will not be able to support its establishment ; or the Bill so long recommended
by the Trinity Board for the consolidation of all its laws, and made similar to the
laws that govern the great commercial ports in England, (which is so much re-
quired) be introduced in its stead

I feel it also my duty to point out to His Excellency that the Trinity Board,
(from its increased duties which require a constant superintendence and inspection)
should be provided with a steamboat which has been so often petitioned for by the
Board, and as the work can be done so much better and with half the expense of
the one contracted for, it is therefore of importance it should be provided for in the
new Bill which was introduced in the Bill thrown out.

25

I 1) »g also to recommend that the Harbour Master's fees be abolished, a tax so
unequally levied on the trade, a schooner of GO tons paying the same as ;; vessel of
1,400, and a fixed salary paid to him out of the tonnage duty, which has also long
been recommended.

It would also be advisable that the Harbour Master's boat, (which r ! so much
required for the superintendence of the trade in this extensive harbour) should be
relieved from its employment in conveying the Quarantine Physician on board ves-
sels arriving in the Harbour of Quebec, more particularly as his duty could be as
well pel formed by accompanying the Boarding Custom House Officer, their exami-
nation of the Emigrant ships being similar, and the trade relieved from an unneces-
sary delay in having two boats to clear them. And when it is taken into conside-
ration that the navigation is open only seven months in the year, and the vast im-
portance it is to the trade that every facility should be given them in passing
through its extensive waters, having also to compete writh the American canals. I
trust, therefore, I shall not be thought presuming in having offered these sugges-
tions for His Excellency's consideration, which appear to me (from my professional
experience) are of so much importance to the interests of the Province, should be
adopted.

I have, &c,

EDWD. BOXER, R. K

Captain of the Port, and
Harbour Master of Quebec.
The Hon. James Leslie, Secretary,

Montreal.

(True Copy.)

Quebec, SOih October, 1848.

Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter ; '1 to me

by your direction, from Captain Beecher, of the 22nd ultimo, informing me that the
establishment of Light Houses on the shores of our Colonial possessions is occupying
in a great measure, the deliberations of Her Majesty's Government, and requesting
me to send you a list of all those places where it appeared to me, (from my profes-
sional experience) it will be desireable a Light House should be erected, and whether
it should be fixed or revolving, and the remarks and observations which lead me to
that conclusion, and the advantages that could be gained by its establishment,

In answer to which I have the honor to inform you, that during the time I
commanded Her Majesty's ships "Sparrow Hawk," " Hussar," and "Pique," I
served several years on the North American station, my attention was necessarily
called to this important subject, and while in the command of the " Hussar," was
employed in surveying and settling;; the geographical positions of the different Capes
and Head-lands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and on the completion of that service
I had the honor to report to Sir Charles Ogle, the Commander in Chief, the great
want of lights in the Gulf and River Saint Lawrence, and the importance for the
safety of its trade (the amount of the loss of life and property being immense
annually) its shores should be lighted, and I recommended that St. Paul's Island, Cape
Rae, the east and west end of Anticosti, Cape Rosier, and the north and east end
of Prince Edward Island, as good sites for their establishment; and white in the
command of the " Pique," serving on the same station, I also had the honor to
recommend to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the great necessity of
further lights being established on Biquet and Red Island, and the importance of one
being erected on Table Island on the coast of Nova Scotia, and I beg to refer you to
that Report, dated July, 1833, which states my reasons for recommending it, and I
am still of the same opinion, but I should further recommend that a gun be placed

26

there to fire every half hour in foggy weather. And on my appointment in 1841
to the office I now hold, I called the attention of His Excellency the Governor
General and the Trinity Board to this important subject. The great loss of life and
property, with the high rate of insurance on the trade to the Gulf and River call
loudly for improving its dangers, and I recommend that Red Island and the cast
end of Antioqsti should be lighted without delay, and a better system adopted for
the education of Pilots; also erecting beacons, as land marks on different points on
the so uih shore of Anticosti, and between Cape Chat and Cape Rosier, the land
being so difficult to distinguish, particularly during short intervals of clearings in
foggy weather, with the establishment of fog guns, bells and gongs at the different
Light Houses. Those recommendations having been approved of and recommended by
the Home Government to be adopted, and the Provincial Government having in 1847
granted £18,000 for that purpose, the Trinity Board thisyear has been enabled to adopt
many of the suggestions recommended, (13) thirteen additional buoys having been
laid down in the River, also contracting for beacons as land marks, and lighting the
east end of Anticosti. Red Island will also be lighted the beginning of next month.
But the St. Lawrence Canals having been opened this year, the trade must still fur-
ther increase, being decidedly of opinion, if the free navigation of the Saint Lawrence
is granted, with the corn laws repealed (having a practical knowledge of the whole
route from Chicago to the sea) that the greater part of the produce of the Western
States of America for Home consumption that have shipping ports in the Lakes, as
well as our own, will be transported to Europe through the waters of the Saint
Lawrence, for this simple reason that it can be done cheaper, quicker and shipped
in better order, than it can be done through the Canals of the United States ; also.
the yearly crops can be shipped before the navigation closes, it appearing to me, it
wrould be more productive to the grower by warehousing it in England (to take the
advantage of the markets) than to be shut up five winter months in this country ;
but to carry out this important object it would be necessary to give every facility
for the transport of the trade through our Canals, with good and safe channels to
them, carrying the same depths of water as can pass through the locks, and leaving
no parts of its waters without good lights, buoys, beacons and pilots for its safe
navigation ; and having given this subject much consideration, I should therefore
recommend the following places as proper sites for the additional lights that might
be required, viz :

St. PauVs Island.

I have always been of opinion it was unnecessary that two lights should be
established on this Island. The Commissioners appointed to examine and fix the
site for a light on it, only recommended one, and it would have been far better had
one of them been placed on the Bird Rock or Cape Ray. At present it appears to
me of importance, that a gun to fire every half hour should be substituted for the
bell, and I have just been informed by the master of the ship "Enchantress,"
wrecked on St. Paul's Island on the ultimo, that his vessel would have been

saved had a gun been established on the Island to fire every half hour, as he must
have heard the report in time to have avoided the danger. I should, therefore,
strongly recommend that a gun be placed there in lieu of the bell, without the
least delay, which is also the opinion of the most experienced masters in the trade.

Bird Rock.

I am strongly of opinion, that a light should be established on this rock, the
current almost always setting to the southward, which frequently gets ships into
difficulties among the dangers in its vicinity, and it being in the direct passage
throu hilt, makes it necessary that it should be seen in the night, that no

delay might take place in rounding it, which is of importance to vessels inward and
outward bound.

27

Cape Ray.

A light on this Cape would, in my opinion, be of the greatest service to the
trade, the ice in the spring invariably setting down on the St. Paul's Island and
Cape Breton ; vessels are therefore obliged to keep on the Newfoundland shore ; and
this being the entrance to the Gulf, it is of importance that both sides should be
lighted, for it often happens that one side is covered by fog, when the other is quite
clear, which is another strong reason that one of the lights on St. Paul's Island
should be shifted to it.

Cape Rosier.

I have always been of opinion that a light with a gun on this Cape would be
of importance to the trade, the current invariably settling to the southward, and the
wrecks that take plane annually in its vicinity (five ships having been wrecked this
season, one the " Astoria," with a general cargo, valued at £60,000) shews the
great necessity for its establishment, and, had a gun been there to fire every
half hour, those vessels would have been saved, as they must have heard the report
in passing it, which would have enabled them to avoid the danger, it being very
foggy when they run on shore.

West end of Antic osti.

A light having been established on the east end, it appears to me of importance,
for the passage of the North Channel, that a light should also be established at the
west end, it being a dangerous point, and which would be of great service to ships
beating up between Anticosti and Cape Rosier, by allowing them to cross to the
north shore in the night, a quicker passage being a!wa}7s made by beating up on that
shore, in consequence of a strong current always running down on the south shore.

East end of Prince EdwauVs Island.

A light should be established on this low, dangerous place, which would be of
the greatest service to the trade passing through the Gut of Canso, particularly to
those bound to Miramichi, the Bay Chaleur, and the Gulf Ports of New Bruns-
wick : it therefore appears to me of importance a light should be established there as
soon as possible.

North end of Prince EdwaroVs Island.

This low, dangerous point also requires to be lighted, which would be of
importance to the trade bound to Miramichi, the Ports on the Gulf shore of New
Brunswick, and the Bay Chaleur, and also to vessels passing through the Straits of
Northumberland. Many wrecks take place on this coast.

Point Birch, Island of 3Iiscou, at the South entrance of the Bay Chaleur.

The trade to Campbleton, Bathurst, Dalhousie, Carlisle, and other Ports in the
Bay Chaleur, having so much increased, and is still increasing, makes it of import-
ance that a light should be established on this low, dangerous point, and which would
also be of importance to the trade of the River Saint Lawrence, many ships beating
up with a foul wind, after being set up on that shore, the current invariably setting
to the southward.

Bersimis Point, on the North Shore.

The great difficulty to distinguish distances from the lights in the Gulf and
River Saint Lawrence, in consequence of a haze often hanging on the glass of the
lanterns, makes it necessary that a light should be established on the north shore,
between Point des Monts and the Saguenay, the brilliancy of Biquet light (at times)

28

often deceiving the Pilots and Masters of vessels as to the distance from it. I should
therefore recommend that a light be established on Point Bersimis, as the most
eligible site For one, which would very much lessen the dangers of Port Neuf and
Manicouagan shoals. Many wrecks every season take place on these shoals.

Gfrandel Island (one of the Kamouraska Islands.)

A snail light on this Island would be of great service to the trade, particularly
in die fall months, as it would enable ships to pass Hare Island shoal with safety in
the night, vessels often being obliged to heave to or anchor, waiting for daylight to
pass between it and the Pilgrims.

St. RoclCs Shoals, entrance of the Traverse.

I have always considered it would be of great advantage to the trade if a fixed
light was placed on this shoal, instead of the floating light, which could be easily and
done by sinking blocks and erecting a lighthouse on them, it often happening
that the light vessel is injured by ships running aboard of her in passing through the
Traverse, and sometimes breaks adrift in heavy gales of wind, leaving for a time that
dangerous place without its necessary guide, and as the annual expense would not
be half that of the floating light, which in a few years would pay for its erection, I
should therefore strongly recommend that it be adopted; and while employed on the
Naval and Military Commission for the defence of Canada, I pointed out to Her
Majesty's Government the defenceless state of the River Saint Lawrence, and as
heavy guns could be mounted on the blocks for the defence of the Traverse, (a most
important point to be defended,) no time, in my opinion, should be lost in adopting
this reommendaiion.

Bellechasse Island.

s nail river light would be of service on this Island, and a refuge harbour,
which is so much required for the river and gulph trade, could be made here with
very little expense.

Carousel Island, one of the Seven Islands.

There being no light on the north shore to the eastward of Point des Monts,
it would be of great service to the trade if a light was established on this Island, (the
harbours among them being extremely good,) which would be very often useful as
a refuge harbour in gales of -wind from the eastward or westward. This light would
also be of great service in beating up on the north shore.

Between Quebec and Montreal.

A small light is required on St. Antoine, a dangerous point, about 18 miles
from Quebec. With this exception, the whole river between Quebec and Montreal
is extremely well lighted.

Lakes St Louis, St. Francis, and the River Ottawa.

The naval and military commission reported to His Excellency the Governor
General, the great necessity for the establishment of lights on those Lakes and River,
the trade (for the want of them) not being able to navigate them in the night ; and
the Canals being now open, makes it still more necessary they should have sufficient
guides fir that purpose, and measures, I believe have been taken to adopt their re-
commendation. The establishment of small lights between Cornwall and Kingston
would also be of great advantage, it being of the greatest importance, their passage
from the Upper Lakes to Montreal and Quebec should not be impeded, five months
of the year being shut up, from having any communication with the sea.

29

Lakes Ontario and Ei i<\

Great attention has been paid to the lighting of those Lakes, but it app
me the harbour lights should be made more brilliant, which would also answer for
the general trade on their passage up and down, the American shores being ex-
tremely well lighted.

Lake Huron.

As our trade increases to Lake Superior, it will be necessary for lights to be
established between the entrance of River Sinclair and Cape Hurd, and from that
Cape to Sault St. Mary, also between Cape Hurd and Penetanguisheene. That
Cape or in its vicinity appears to me of importance shcuLl be lighted wi.hout delay.

In recommending the establishment of the above additional lights in the Uulph
and River St. Lawrence, I am aware, in carrying them all out at present, it would
be attended with too great an expense, not only for their erection but to the trade
in maintaining them. But when it is taken into consideration, the dangers and
difficulties of its navigation, in consequence of the horizon hardly ever being true,
the currents so very irregular and the difficulty of judging the true distance from
the land, with fogs and partial clearings, (the north shore often being clear when
the south is covered), and the very great importance it is to the trade to get clear
of its dangers (on their second voyage home) before the navigation closes, and the
high rate of insurance (being now ten per cent. — England — fall voyage out and
home — ten per cent. — United States, same voyage out and home about seven per
cent) caused entirely by the great loss of life and property that annually takes place,
by wrecks on its shores, and with a prospect of its trade increasing, should th.
navigation of the Saint Lawrence be granted. No time, in my opinion, should b<
in establishing those of the most importance, and I should therefore strongly recom-
mend the following, viz : —

Si. PauVs Island. — A gun to fire every half hour in foggy weather to be sub-
stituted for the fog bell, and if practicable the revolving light to be removed to
Cape Ray.

Bird Rock, Cape Rosier, with a gun to fire every half hour in foggy weather.

Grandel Island and a fixed light to be established on St. Rock's Shoal instead
of the floating one. Should the above recommendations be carried out, I am satis-
fied the trade could easily maintain them, (the tonnage by Customs returns during
the last three years, averaging as per margin, annually, independent
641^286 tons!90' of the Gulph and River Trade) by a duty levied of 5d. currency per
5o°,ojof( about? ton' wn'cn would be ample for their maintenance, and less burdensome
to the trade than in any other part of the world, and the unappropri-

691,2:)tf Tons. J

ated money, (for the improvement of the navigation below Quebec)
with an additional grant of £5.000 would be ample for their erection.
I shall have the honor to send a copy of this letter to His Excellency the Governor
General, and I have to request you will be pleased to lay this before the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty, who are aware of my great anxiety to improve
the dangers of the Saint Lawrence, which every day shews is of so much importance
to the North American Provinces.

I have, &c ,

(Signed,) EDWD. BOXER,

Captain Royal Navy.

P. S. — You are aware that my recommendation tor the erection of an Obser-
vatory in the Citadel of Quebec has been approved of, and an estimate made by the
Board of Ordnance for its erection, but I am sorry to say no other steps have been

30

taken for its establishment, although the cost for its erection and maintenance would
be so trifling compared to its great importance to the trade, from the great difficulty
they have in rating their chronometers after they once enter the Gulph of the St.
Lawrence, the horizon at all times being so imperfect, and the Masters of vessels
being generally ignorant to do so by an artificial one, and I am quite satisfied if the
Government would pay lor its erection (about £450) the trade would willingly pay
for its maintenance.

I herewith enclose also agreeably to your request, a statement how the lights
should be distinguished if my recommendations are generally adopted.

(Signed,) E. B.

Statement of additional lights (whether fixed or revolving) recommended to be es-
tablished in the Gulph and River Saint Lawrence.

St. PaiiVs Island — A fixed light with a gun to fire every half hour.

Cape Ray — Revolving light.

Bird Rock — Red light with a gun.

'jfi-jLst End of Anticosti, (exhibited) — Fixed light with a bell.

South-west End of ditto, (exhibited) — Revolving light with a gun.

West Und of ditto — Fixed light with a bell.

Cape Rosier — Two lights vertical in the same light-house with a gun to fire
every half hour.

Hast End of Prince Edward }s Island — Fixed light with a bell. The one on the
North entrance of the Gut of Canso to be changed to red.

North End of ditto — Red light with a gong.

Point Birch, North End of Mission Istand — Fixed light with a bell.

Carousel Island, one of the Seven Islands — Two fixed lights, vertical in the same
light-house, (one white and the other red) with a gong.

Pointe des Monts, (exhibited) — Fixed light with a bell.

Pointe Bersimis — Two lights vertical in the same light-house with a gong.

Biquet, (exhibited) — Revolving lights with a gun firing every hour.

Red Island, (to be exhibited immediately) — Fixed red light with a bell.

Green Island, (exhibited) — Fixed light with a gong.

Grandel Island — Two fixed lights vertical in the same light-house.

Traverse — Fixed light on St. Roch's Shoal with a gong.

Bellechasse — Small fixed light with a bell.

(Signed,) E. BOXER,

Captain, Royal Navy,
(True copy.)

(Signed,) E. B.

The Representation of the Chamber of Commerce of the Island of Jersey,
Humbly Sheweth, —

That the Merchants of this Island have, for upwards of a century, been
extensively engaged in the North American Fisheries in Newfoundland, Canada,
New Brunswick, and Cape Breton, at all of which they have large establishments
for carrying on the trade, which have been created at a considerable expense.

That the Capital employed by them in the Fisheries may be estimated at a
quarter of a million pounds sterling.

That the number of vessels employed in the Fisheries by the Merchants of
this Island may be estimated at about 100, measuring upwards of 10,000 tons,

31\X

giving i mploymenl lo about 2,000 British Seamen, and a 3ti! greater number of

Tim-ii in" llie Colonies. ^

Thai the Fisheries are therefore of very greal value, not only from the num-,\
berof vessels and the Capital employed in them, but also as a nursery for Seamen.

That this trade has for several years past been suffering from various causes,
partly from the privilege possessed by Spanish vessels ol imporljng Fish into,
Spain and her Colonies at a less duty than that levied d^|Fi- irted into

British ships, and principally by the bounties given by the J^rnch and United
States Governments to their respective people, and which are so considerable as
to enable them not only to compete successfully with, but to undersell the British
Merchants in all Foreign markets.

That the encouragement given to their Fisheries by the French Government
will be apparent from the following statement of bounties allowed by diem, viz. :
50 francs per man for the Shore Fisheries in Newfoundland and Iceland.
30 " " for the Fishery on the Banks of Newfoundland.

15 " " for the Fishery on the Dogger Bank.

10 " per cwt. for all Dry Fish exported to the French Colonies.
8 " u for Fish exported to Foreign countries bordering the Mediter-

ranean.
6 " " for Fish exported to Sardinia and Algeria.

That, under all these circumstances, the Chamber of Commerce believes
that if any concessions are made by the British Government, they will be most
prejudicial to the interests of the British Fishery, and may be productive of its
ruin.

That the Chamber has heard with alarm that on an application from the
Governments of France and the I'niled States for a revision of ihe existing
treaties regulating the Fisheries in America, and asking for concessions to enable
them to fish where they are not at present allowed. Her Majesty's Government
has so far acceded to their request as to name a Commissioner lo take these
demands into consideration.

And the Chamber would humbly pray that instructions be given to the said
Commissioner to make no alteration in ihe existing Treaties, as otherwise the
British Merchant will be sacrificed, and the trade will eventually fall into the
hands of ihe French and Americans, who enjoy most important advantages from
the bounties allowed them by their respective Governments.

Differential duty in Spanish bottom about 2s. per cwt. ; previous to list years,
3s. (25 francs to the £1 stg.)

April, 1853.

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