Fishing and Marine

[1908] DESIRABLE EMIGRANTS.

500 Scottish fisherman are anxious to proceed to Australia, for the purpose of starting fish caring and canning. They ask for assisted passages.

[1908] THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

The four delegates sent out by the Scottish fisherman to investigate the condition of Australian fisheries have accepted an invitation by the Government to come to South Australia to enquire into the prospect of improving the fishing industry in this state. The visit will be made after the inspection of the New South Wales fisheries is completed.

[1908]  THE SCOTTISH FISHING EXPERTS.  In view of the possibility of being able to induce some of the Scotch fishermen who are anxious to come to Australia, to settle in South Australia, the Government recently asked the expert delegates who are in New South Wales to come to this task for the purpose of examining the waters along the coastline and determining whether it would be wise for some of their countrymen to make South Australia their adopted home. A cordial invitation was sent to the experts, and the Government promised to place a vessel at their disposal for a cruise about the gulfs and bays of the coast. A reply has been received from the delegates stating that upon the conclusion of their investigations in New South Wales they will be delighted to take advantage of the offer of the Government. The date of their arrival cannot be stated yet, but preliminary arrangements are being made for the Governor Musgrave to carry the fisher-men up and down the gulfs and to the various bays as well as to the open sea south of Kangaroo Island and elsewhere. Local authorities state that there is ample scope for a small army of the enterprising Scotch fisher families to make a splendid living catching and preparing fish for market.

[1908] The Scottish fisherman, whose visit to South Australia is being awaited with considerable interest, are pursuing their investigations in Sydney. Their enquiries have detained them in New South Wales much longer than was expected, and the probable date of their arrival in Adelaide is somewhat indefinite. The steamer Governor Musgrave, which will take them for a trip around our coast, is ready to start so soon as they arrive.

[1908]  THE SCOTTISH FISHERMEN, ARRIVAL IN ADELAIDE, A WARM WELCOME.

[This is a long article, so it has been condensed. - Ed.]

The Scottish fishing delegates (Messrs. W. W. Newlands, J. Eaglesham, W. Grieve, and M. Grieve) arrived in Adelaide by the express from Melbourne on Tuesday morning. Mr. S. McIntosh (Deputy Chief Inspector of Fisheries) joined the party at Murray Bridge, and came through with them to the city. At the Adelaide railway-station they were met by Mr. E. J. Field (on behalf of Mr. T. Duffield, Chief Inspector of Fisheries), Mr. Alfred Searcy, and Mr. J. W. Sandford (chief of the South Australian Caledonian Society), together with nine or ten members of the council of that body. With kindly forethought, arrangements were made to extend to the visitors the privileges of honorary membership of the Commercial Travellers' Club, and a pleasant half-hour was spent there with members of the Caledonian Society. Mr. Sandford, who welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Caledonian Society, said they represented an important industry, and if Scotchmen here could assist them by advice or otherwise, they would be only too willing to do so. (Cheers.) They recognised that the delegates were brother Scots, and although Scotchmen here were far distant from the old country, their hearts were still loyal to the old spot. (Cheers.) They would be glad it it were found that South Australian waters lent themselves to the fishing industry. If any waters should do so it was those of the Southern Ocean. There were many inlets, bays, and islands, especially along the Great Australian Bight, where he thought fish abounded, where an industry could be established on profitable lines, and where hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of their fellow countrymen could be settled. (Cheers) On behalf of the Caledonian Society he gave them a cordial welcome. . . . 

PROSPECTS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. A HOPEFUL OUTLOOK.

Mr. W. Newlands, chief representative of the Scottish fishing delegates, who arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday, was interviewed in the afternoon at the South Australian Hotel by a representative of "The Advertiser." . . . He mentioned that their visit to Australia was the outcome of a depression in the fishing industry in Scotland, and their mission now rival to see for themselves the possibility of the development of the industry in these waters. Many fishermen in the old country, he added, were anxiously awaiting advices, and letters were continually coming to hand from those who were anxious to come out and make Australia their home. They recognised, however, that the method of distribution of fresh fish, of canning, of smoking and curing, and the manufacture of fish fertiliser and fish oils must be in practical work before these men could come out to Australia with their families. Much would depend on their reports, and they fully appreciated the facilities which the South Australian Government were placing at their disposal to enable them to carry out their investigations in these waters.

"The scarcity of the fish at home," he added, "has been a serious item to our people, and prior to the outbreak of the war in South Africa I was in the Argentine Republic with the idea of ascertaining what prospects there were there for the development of the industry and the employment of our fishermen. . . .

"It might surprise many people to know that South Australia was the first State we visited. We arrived here during the Easter holidays, and at once started to make enquiries, but could get no satisfactory answers, so after staying here for a couple of days we went on to Sydney. 

"The first fish we saw on the visit were off Kangaroo Island, where for eight hours we sailed through a big school of herring. Such a splendid indication of fish I have never before seen during the whole of my 35 years' experience in the business. There were some doubts as to whether the fish were herring, but on arrival at Port Adelaide I had an opportunity of opening a large fish, and found inside it a herring 4 or 5 in. in length. While I was in Sydney Sir William Lyne informed me he could take us to a place where we could sail through schools of herring for 50 hours, so you can imagine our confidence in the future of the industry here. With Scotch people, you. know, the pursuit of the pelagic fishes is a very important industry, and we claim to know all about the business. 

"We have carefully examined the New South Wales fisheries, and are quite satisfied as to the future there. If the South Australian fisheries come anywhere near to those we have seen, we shall be able to send our people's most favorable report, and such a guarantee that they may prepare to come out here. After our trip we shall be able better to say what the future holds for the fishing industry in these waters.

"I can say, however, that the indications in Australia are more favorable than those of the Argentine Republic ever were or can hope to be.  . . .  so we much prefer to deal with 'our own folk.' It has now been decided to cease the Argentine negotiations, and the capital will be diverted to Australia. Let me say also that our coming here will not interfere with the local fishermen already established in the business, but rather that their position will be improved by the better facilities and higher prices which they will receive for their catch.

"I am glad to be able to say that all our negotiations are proceeding satisfactorily. The Federal and New South Wales Governments have met us as far as possible, and we are hoping that nothing will occur to interfere with the progress of our work. . . . Within four years we expect that fully 5,000 fishermen from Great Britain will be engaged in the industry in this country. I am speaking, of course, on the assumption that the Governments will assist us as suggested. We require assisted passages, land for settlement, and certain concessions, such as rebate of wharf dues, &c., so that we will not be put to a great deal of expenditure in placing the catch on the markets of the Commonwealth. Should these concessions be granted, there is every prospect of a big business being worked up in Australia. We have the capital behind us for investment as soon as we are ready.

We deal with both edible and non-edible fish. In fact everything is fish that comes to our nets, and not the least important branch of the business is the manufacture of by-products in the form of fertilisers and oils. . . . I understand that Japan has almost a monopoly of the trade in fish oils in Australia at present, but we are confident that we can compete with the world here and build up a big industry. You have to remember also that the Scottish crofter-fisherman and farmer is the best settler in the world, and that by establishing the fishing industry here we will also be forming the nucleus of a future navy for the Commonwealth."

[1908] SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FISHERIES.

In our previous issue we stated that delegates of Scottish fishermen were about to inspect our coast line at fishing grounds with the object of ascertaining if South Australia could offer any natural inducements for a large number ot fishermen to come to these southern Waters from the old Country. The Government placed a steamer and guides at the disposal of the delegates, and after having inspected the coastline in the Gulf and at Kangaroo Island, and also visit to the Murray and Lakes, the visitors are fully convinced that there is ample scope here for 5000 or so fishermen to earn good living.

Mr. Newlands, one of the delegates, has given his opinions to an interviewer, and they provide very interesting reading-. He said:—

'The more they gazed the more their wonder grew.' There's a line for you which exactly describes our position. If we were not satisfied with South Australia we would be hard to please. The thing that has impressed us most of all is that fishing grounds like these should exist, and yet be unknown in Scotland. Also, that so little should he known of the country generally for purposes of settlement. Someone is to blame. Only men and boats are needed to work your fisheries. At American River (K.I.) the bottom is a good feeding ground, and I am quite satisfied it is a natural nursery for fish. We had a splendid chance to judge the nature of the bottom at Spalding Cove, Port Lincoln, and decided that it was suitable for trawling. The same applies largely to Spencer's Gulf. We have had better opportunities to judge the resources here than we had in New South Wales on account of the facilities provided by the Government in placing the Governor Musgrave at our disposal. We had our own net at Port Hacking, it is true, but that was all, and you have satisfied us better than the authorities in New South Wales. All the places I have seen are pretty much alike, but I am prepared in make a definite proposal to the Government with regard to settling our fishermen in this state. Further than that I do not care to discuss the scheme at present. I shall recommend South Australia as a most desirable fishing ground. The visit has increased my admiration for this country as regards the industry. Your coastline appeals more to me and my colleagues than any we have seen in Australia. The inlets and harbors are far beyond any thing we expected to find. 

"In the event of the Government granting our requests we will establish industries on this coast for fish catching, curing, and smoking. manufacturing fertilizers, fish oils, and fish cakes. This place is most adaptable for these opertions. Messrs. Eaglesham and Grieve (2) will remain in Australia; but I will shortly return to Scotland and report on our investigations. Then I shall bring out whatever fishermen we decide to settle here, and I expect to have the first contingent here within six or seven months. One of the requests to the Government will be for assisted passages to the fish workers. The number who would be prepared to come would be unlimited [sic]. When assisted passages are granted we could have 5000 fishermen out in Australia within the next three years [sic]. Believe me, there is room for that number in South Australia alone. There is no method of fishing in use in Great Britain which could not be adopted in these waters. Seine netting, drift netting, surface and sunk nets, trammel fishing, otter trawl small lines and great lines are the methods we would employ. Among things which appealed greatly to me were the specimens of plaice which I saw in the museum, and I am certain that there is a great future commercially for those fish. I know by the waters I have seen in Spencer's Gulf that they are there in great abundance. Trawlers would be brought out under their own steam.

"So far as marketing is concerned we are prepared to tackle that ourselves. It will be to the advantage of the local fishermen. We will not interfere with them earning a living. Rather it will be a godsend to them, as they will always find a ready market for their fish, and have a number of irksome restrictions removed. Prior to our coming to them they regarded our advent as antagonistic to their interests. Since we explained our mission, however, they have veered round, and are now pretty well satisfied that it will be to their advantage. I can quite understand many of them feeling annoyed at the advent of others coming into the field, because they have had a pretty soft time, and have been making money easily [sic]. Our work, however, would be confined to that part of the industry which the South Australian fishermen neglect. Some people blame the wholesale dealer and others the fishermen for the present scarcity of fish; but the whole trouble lies in the want of a systematic method of catching and distributing the fish. Neither branch is solely to blame. I have learned something about the local marketing of fish and have concluded that great improvements could be effected. We would require that there should be a public market at Adelaide, either under municipal or Government control, the same as we have in Scotland. This would mean that fish would be much cheaper to the consumer than it is at present. We would dispose of our own fish—in fact, it would go direct from the trawler to the table [by-passing the market?- Ed] An order for half a crown's worth would receive as much attention as an order for £2000 worth, and we would be as able to deal with one as the other. We do not wish to wipe out the middlemen or suggest that the merchants are getting any undue advantage. We objected to monopolies in the fish trade in Scotland, and would want to carry out the same idea here.

"In my opinion the industry would require the establishment of a Fisheries Board. In fact, that is one of the things we would expect before we came here. We have a board in Scotland, and have found that it was essential to the conduct of the business there. The board consists of a chairman and secretary (who are permanent and paid officers appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland), and four members, two scientific and two practical men (who have no direct financial interest in the industry). The duty of the board is to pass by-laws for the regulation of fish ing, and see that they are enforced. Dr Ramsay Smith would be the very man for chairman of the board in South Australia. He is acquainted with the whole business, and could supply what you so badly need in South Australia—experience. Before I leave Adelaide, I will go through specimens with Mr Zietz, and settle one or two disputes with regard to the classification of fish. I and my colleagues are certain that the herring family is here, and that you have the right salt, and the fish could he cured as well as the Scotch herring. A Scotch man at Wallaroo told me there were plenty of tommy roughs there, and added, 'they're herrings, you know.'

"Everywhere we have been on our inquiries we have been received with the utmost courtesy, both by fishermen and those engaged in the wholesale and retail trade, and we take this opportunity to thank them for the kindness they have shown to us. The Government has afforded us splendid facilities. Mr. McIntosh (the Deputy Chief Inspector of fisheries) and Mr. Searcy have been exceptionally energetic to assist us, and Captain Weir and the officers and crew of the steamer have shown every kindness. Mr. Zielz has also been of great assistance in his special department. 

- - - - -

The Courier has always strongly advocated the development of our local fisheries, and the verdict and offer of the Scottish fisherman is very acceptable. The Government now has the opportunity to invite a large num-ber of immigrants of a desirable class [sic] to this state and as the benefit would be great if a properous fishing and packing industry wure built up the opportunity should not be missed. The delegates are sincere in their proposals, and their suggestions and words should be listened to and complied with so far as possible. On the face of it the project is very acceptable and developments will be watched with interest by all who desire to see South Australia and local industries prosper.

Saturday, September 12, 1908.

. . . The visit of the Scotchmen should do a lot to awaken the public to the possibilities of this great industry. There are, however, a few points to consider in relation to their proposal to emigrate to this State and set up canning works and agencies for the proper and regular distribution of fish at a reasonable figure to the public. If Scotchmen can come thousands of miles across the seas to establish what will undoubtedly be a flourishing industry, why cannot South Australians do the same ? What is to prevent even those at present in the trade from doing exactly what the Scotchmen propose to do ? Obviously they are in a far better position to carry out what the visitors propose than the latter are themselves. Initiative appears to be the lacking element, but those in the trade here must realise that there will be no room for them if the Scotchman ever put into effect their plucky idea. Small fishermen complain of his minute profits accruing to their business now, and how they would fare when opposed by a live and enterprising com-pany can only be left to conjecture. It will be seen, therefore, that if South Australian fishermen want to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihood it is time they were up and doing. The Scotchmen will hardly be prepared to take them into the combine. The lesson of the whole matter is that what Scotchmen can do South Australians can do, with the added observa-tion that in the case of the latter it means a call to action. No one can seriously contend that the influx of a Scotch fishing community would not be in the best interests of tha State, but it is an accepted axiom that the State should make ample provision for those within its bounds before admitting hundreds more, to, in a number of cases, swell the unemployed. The State, however, can not be blamed for turning a deaf ear to the entreaties of those unwilling to help themselves, and fisherfolk in this State will have only themselves to blame if the Scotchmen do settle in South Australia and honourably take over a trade which has suffered severely in consequence of past neglect.

MR O'LOUGHLIN, THE SCOTCH FISHERMEN AND SEDDON.

TO THE EDITOR  SIR ,— For some weeks past the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr O'Loughlin) has advertised the southern portion of the Hundred of Seddon, K.I., as land that would be available for allotment for farming etc. Since representatives of Scotch fishermen (men who are fishermen, not seekers of land) visited here he (Mr O'Loughlin) has withdrawn the land and is holding it over pending the reply of the Scotchmen as to their movements. From what I can glean Mr O'Loughlin practically intends giving rank outsiders the pick of Seddon, leaving out in the cold the natives and bona fide farmers who have a right to the pick of South Australia— men, moreover, who have the cash and plant to work the land for all it is worth. Within the last few week dozens of land settlers have been visiting Seddon and only one of these (and this man went along the backbone, the only part of not much value, and back the same track) went away growling. Such men as those are not wanted here. Why should the Scots get the preference, especially when the new hundred unnamed, now being surveyed, will be open later for them. By getting the Seddon land in November of this year, the successful applicants can roll immediately and got a good burn in February, but by holding the land till after Christmas it will be too late to roll and burn for the coming seeding so they lose a year for the chance of a few new chums coming to populate our perfect little Island.— I am Sir, etc., ONE WAITING FOR SEDDON.

[1908]  . . . To-day rosy prospects loom on the horizon for Islanders and there is every promise of a bountiful harvest. Before another year has fled the population of the Island may be increased by the addition of more than 100 thrifty Scottish families in addition to more of our own farmers from the mainland.  . . .

. . . Commissioner of Crown Lands has stated, with reference to offer of land to Scotch fishermen on Kangaroo Island and other privileges under certain conditions, that if same is accepted the Government will gladly stand by it.

===========================

. . . The Scottish fishing delegates (Messrs W. J. Newlands and W. Eaglesham) accompanied by the Deputy Chief Inspector of Fisheries (Mr S. Macintosh) arrived at Kingscote per s.s. Karatta on Wednesday evening last. The following morning the three visitors (accompanied by Mr R. C. Thorpe, Inspector of Fisheries) left for a trip through the Hundred of Seddon for the purpose of inspecting the land which the Government has placed under offer to the fishermen who might settle in this State. If the land meets the delegates' requirements negotiations will be brought to a head without delay, and Mr Newlands will proceed to Scotland to make arrangements for the first contingent of fishermen to come out. In conversation with the capable and experienced Deputy Chief Inspector of Fisheries (Mr Mclntosh) on Wednesday evening we gleaned the following details:— 

' Messrs Newlands, Eaglesham and myself' said the Deputy Chief Inspector, ' intend, in company with Mr Thorpe, leaving to-morrow morning for a visit of inspection of the coastal portion of Seddon— Vivonne Bay and the country adjoining. Then, for the purpose of showing the visitors what the land can do we will most probably have a run through the cultivated country. We expect to return on Saturday and then will most likely visit American River and have a look at the land under offer there. 

' I think you can take it as almost settled that you will have 150 to 200 Scottish fishing families located at some centre on Kangaroo Island and the balance of the 250 families distributed at smaller outstations. In the interests of the industry upon which they are to embark it is necessary for the fishermen to keep together in communities. ' Where will they go for their fish supply ? It is more than probable that they will trawl the Southern Ocean and the West Coast. Of course, in their vessels, the Scottish fishermen can go where few, if any, of the cutters used by our own men could live.

' The various members of the proposed fishing community must be so closely in touch with each other that when a big haul (say 2,000 baskets of fish) is brought in every man interested should rally up to the gathering point and see that none of the harvest is wasted. 

' Yes I am aware that there has been some dissatisfaction and talk of glutting the market. There is no fear of that whatever and our own men have not the slightest cause for alarm. The Scotchmen will go in for the canning and drying of fish and the manufacture of by-products such as fish oils and fish manures. They would only be too pleased, for that matter, to welcome the local men into their ranks. 

' It is, perhaps, not generally known that, on their expeditions between Shetland and Iceland the Scotchmen fish with a line 200 feet in length on their trawls. 

' As a final word I can assure you that had South Australian fishermen clubbed together to start an industry as our visitors have proposed to do they would have been offered the same facilities.' 

[1908] VISIT OF SCOTCH FISHING DELEGATES.

SIR,—May I trespass on your space for the purpose of commenting upon the hole-and-corner method in which the arrangements concerning the visit of the Scotch fishing delegates were carried out. No official reception by the District Council. No arrange-ment for them to be driven round and shown the country by men who know it well, this part of the programme being left to our already over worked police trooper. Personally, I consider that the District Council should have appointed someone to meet them and introduce them all round. As it was I know that two of the principal business men here had to seek them out and request an introduction. I can only hope that if the Premier comes here in response to the invitation extended him his reception will be in capable hands and not mismanaged. Verb. sap. 

I am, Sir, etc., 28/10/'08 —DISGUSTED.

[1908]  House of Assembly. THE SCOTTISH FISHERMEN.
Mr. MACGILLIVRAY asked if the agreement which it was proposed to make with the Scottish fisherman would be laid on the table of the House before coming to a definite decision. The COMMISSIONER of CROWN LANDS said that the Government had made a definite offer to the Scottish fisherman, and if that offer were accepted the Government would stand by, and had no desire to do otherwise. The agreement had been published in the press. There was no secrecy about it. Mr. ARCHIBALD asked whether any grant of land to be made would be in conformity with existing laws. The COMMISSIONER of CROWN LANDS said yes. There would be no breach of the law. There was no objection to laying the agreement on the table.

The delegates of the Scottish fishermen have decided, after touring Australia, that South Australia offers the best inducements, and have decided that it is here they will settle. Tomorrow (Wednesday) they leave for Kangaroo Island. They will inspect the land offered them in the Hundred of Seddon, and on their return to the city they will come to a definite arrangement.

[1908] THE SCOTCH FISHERMEN. 

From 'Anxious.'— 'The report of the visit of the Scotch fishing delegates to Kangaroo Island, and of the opinions expressed by them, raises several interesting questions. In the first place, they say, 'Mr.Gobell's land, near American River, is unsuitable for agriculture, though good grazing country.' Now, are they representing farmers or fishermen? If the former, I consider it presumptuous on Mr. Newlands' part to criticise land with which he is necessarily unfamiliar; if the latter, why does the land call for criticism from him at all? It appears to me that the policy of the Government in proposing to settle fishermen on land (Seddon), some of which is 10 to 12 miles from the sea coast, is childish in the extreme. Dozens of intending settlers, of whom I am one, are waiting for Seddon to be thrown open, and yet it is held back, pending the decision of these fishermen. The Hundred of Seddon contains land which is plenty good enough for me and dozens more; but we are debarred from taking it up. Let the Government resume the coast frontage land round the American River, and settle the Scotchmen there. It is most suitable in every respect, and let genuine settlers, who understand scrub farming, get on to Seddon and get on while there is time to knock down some scrub, and have a bit of crop for next seeding. While the State is possessed of cheap land, with a certain rainfall and no rabbits or vermin, why is not the land thrown open for settlement? If this were done it would not be necessary to repurchase big estates at boom prices. Whether the Scotch fishermen settle or not, let the Government throw the Hundred of Seddon open at once.'

[1908] FISH OH ! The small band of braw Scots, known as the Scotch fisheries delegates, seems to be having a really excellent time in Australia. The Governments of the various States have exerted themselves to give the visitors the best of good times and every facility for acquiring information regarding the habits and lurks of the wily finny habitues of local waters. Launches and officials have been freely placed at their disposal, and every where they have been received with open arms, to say nothing of open mouths. In return the delegates from the canny country have expressed their unbounded admiration of each State—the people, the waters, and all things therein. They remind us of the late Dan Barry in this respect. That eminent actor, at every hamlet in which he performed, used to make a speech from the stage, declaring in a voice choked with emotion, that it was the most delightful spot he had ever visited, and expressing a passionate yearning to spend his days therein. Also the visitors have informed us that the homely tommy-rough, which for years we have been accustomed to yank from his damp native habitat to the dry jetty, is a herring, infesting our waters under an alias. Finally, they say that if the Government will assist them with land, &c., particularly the &c. we presume, they will bring 500 Scotch fishers to settle here (it was 5,000 previously), who will soon establish a flourishing industry in fish canning, curing, and selling in the fresh condition.

Now, we don't begrudge the visitors the good time they have had, nor do we resent being told that our tommy rough is swimming about under a false name, but we think that evidence should be gathered from our own fishermen, who have been wresting a livelihood from the turbulent waters for a long period, before rushing into the arms and mouths of our Scottish friends. Professional fishers have assured ' The Herald' that the local supply is by no means plentiful round the coast, that the yield of the well known grounds has shown a marked falling-off of late years, and that coastal trawling would destroy the natural feeding-grounds of the finny tribes.

And what about these settlers and these canning establishments ? Of course, the delegates may have divulged information for the benefit of the Government only, but, so far as we know, no details have been made public. A great number of braw Scots cannot be brought to Australia with out the expenditure of a considerable sum of money, and it would cost quite a large amount for their maintenance until they were in a position to earn their livelihood, or until the works were established. A few not impertinent questions are permissible and desirable, we consider. Who are behind these delegates from Scotland ? Is the Government to undertake the expense of importing and financing them? Is the Government's leg being pulled by a canny Scotch syndicate ? Finally, have they produced satisfactory credentials ?We have had previous experience of syndicates and the glowing promises of syndicators, but the experience rarely justifies the language of the prospectus, so to speak. Anyway, a few enquiries relative to the financial side of the business, and publication of the results, would not be at all out of place.

The delegates press ahead with their plans, with the obliging (credulous) Government, and press.

[1909]  DELEGATES VISIT TO THE ISLAND.
AMERICAN RIVER PROBABLE HEAD STATION.

On Thursday, 22nd inst., Messrs W. J. Newlands and W. Eaglesham (the Scottish fishing delegates) and Mr S. M. Mclntosh (Deputy Chief Inspector of Fisheries) accompanied by our local Inspector of Fisheries (M.C. Thorpe) who acted as pilot, left Kingscote en route for a visit of inspection to the Hundred of Seddon and Vivonne Bay, also tho coastal portion of the hundred now being surveyed, which adjoins Seddon. The party, after a pleasant drive of 45 miles, arrived at the Harriet River at sundown, and Mr Pethick, the Government Surveyor, immediately erected a large tent for their accom-modation, and for this and many other acts of kindness shown them by both Mr and Mrs Pethick the members of the party were very grateful. The delegates were much pleased with the beautiful scenery and the crops they saw en route. All day Friday was devoted to in specting Vivonne Bay and the coast line, also portions of Seddon and the new hundred. The delegates were pleased with Vivonne Bay as being a suitable place for a boat harbour but they state that they did not care for the land right on the seaboard, adding that the narrow strip of land between the sea and the land in Seddon of a good quality (of which last they acknowledge there is a large area) was ' a wee bit too sandy' (to use an expression of Mr Newlands). They appeared to think that the fringe of the good land was too far away for a fishing settlement. [Our readers, however, must not, by this, glean the impression that the delegates mean to imply that the piece of land referred to as being ' a wee bit sandy' is of any extent worth speaking of from a general point of view, seeing that a width of barely a mile might make all the difference so far as fishermen are concerned.]  They were very well pleased with the site at Point Ellen which has been surveyed and pegged out as a township. The soil is of a dark sandy loam, with abundance of limestone for building purposes on the outskirts of the township. 

The party returned to Kingscote on Saturday evening and on Sunday morning they again left under the pilotage of M.C. Thorpe, steering their course along the seaboard of the hundreds of Haines and Dudley, via American River. Upon arrival there the delegates were profuse in their praises of American River as a site for their head fishing station and, if the Government can come to any reasonable terms with the holders of the land there already under offer, then it would not be an idle flight of imagination to picture a fishing settlement, with curing and canning works for treating fish oils and fish manures, established there in a few months' time. The delegates state that once the land is granted them it won't be long before their steam trawlers will be on the move and, instead of interfering with the local fishermen, these will live to learn that the Scotchmen are going to be their friends in the end [sic].  They intend their motto to be 'live and let live.' After leaving tho American River the party drove along the seaboard to Hog Bay where they arrived on Sun-day evening at 8 p.m. They returned to Adelaide on Monday per s.s. Karatta. Thair next mission is to confer with the Minister (the Hon. L. O'Loughlin) and if the settlements can be arranged then Mr Newlands will leave forthwith to bring out the first batch of Scotch fishermen and their families also some first-class boat builders.

[1908]  SCOTTISH FISHING SETTLEMENT. DEPENDING ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR LAND. The settlement of the Scottish fishermen now depends solely on satisfactory arrangements for land being made by the Government. The delegates themselves have definitely decided to make South Australia their home.

Pushback by the locals builds.

[1908] THE FISHING DELEGATES AND KANGAROO ISLAND.

Sir - Reading your report of the interview with the Scotch fishing delegates I was much struck with various inaccuracies of their part. As one who knows well the country referred to on Kangaroo Land I say that Mr. Newlands' statement as to there not being sufficient fair class land adjacent to Vivonne Bay is absolutely incorrect. He also says the hundred of Seddon is "too sandy". This is very wide of the mark. In any case, what is Mr Newlands after anyway? Is he here on behalf of fishermen or of farmers? In the latter case, why does he presume to judge the future of land which must be unfamiliar to him and in the former case, why does he presume to judge the land at all? Another point which arises is this. Has the Govern[ment] or the Commissioner of Crown Lands any right, moral or otherwise, to reserve large areas of farming land, such as Seddon, for Scotch fishermen to the exclusion of our own farmers and their sons? Kangaroo Island is one of the very few districts in South Australia where cheap land can now be obtained and though no one claims that it is all first class and yet settlers in MacGillivray, Haines, and Cassini are proving that what was called poor country will respond generously to modern farming methods. Ocular demonstration of this is at present unobtainable. Why should land of this nature be subject to the caprice of delegates from Scotch fishermen ? Are they going to "fish" in Seddon, 12 or 14 miles from the coast? I have no axe to grind and no land to sell, but I like a fair thing.—I am, &c., AUSTRALIAN.

Sir — The proposed grant of land, or of any financial aid to the Scottish fishermen, is a most unfair proceeding. There are dozens of honest families, born and bred in South Australia, who, with a little help and a few acres of land, would in a few years have happy homes of their own, but they cannot establish them under present conditions. These poor people, and the taxpayers generally, are to provide land, and to pay the expenses of 250 families, who have never seen the country. The Government propose to pay strangers to take what we cannot give our own people, to assist them out here and grant them land to live upon free. I have talked with several men who have fished and travelled this coast for years, and they have never seen these vast shoals of herrings. No one has, as far as I can near, but the Scotch fishing delegates. A fish called a plaice was also seen (in the Museum, I presume). Why, before say money is spent on land granted, cannot this business be tested on a small scale, and it be proved to the satisfaction of our own people that these fish are really in our waters? Why dip into the Treasury for a scheme which, like many others, may turn out a rank failure? It is high time people took the matter in hand, and the fishermen especially notified the members for their districts that they jobs ject to be treated in such an unfair manner. The fish market is never, and never will be, glutted, people say I saw a telegram only the other day stating that the Central Market was glutted with Kangaroo Island fish. Let our Scotch friends pay for their land and experience of this country, the same as we have had to do. Then, if they make homes of their own, and perhaps more on their own merits. I say good luck to them.  — I am. etc. FAIRPLAY.

[1908] THE FISHING INDUSTRY. To the Editor.

Sir—Although the Scotch fishing delegates do not hesitate to talk very loudly about their intentions, it is difficult to see how the consumers of fresh fish, the only sort of fish worth consuming, are likely to benefit by their proposed operations; while it is quite certain that the present industry will be wiped out and the brave skippers of the fine little fleet of cutters ruined. One of these latter, an educated man, who has been engaged in fishing our coast for 14 years and English waters previously made the position quite clear to me. The steam trawls will in a very short time scoop everything eatable and reasonable out of the waters from which we obtain our present supply, and keep working farther seaward. This operation will continue until all fish within reach are exterminated, and exterminated they will be, because our fish are not migratory as the Scotchmen pretend to believe. This fact has been amply demonstrated. Our fish have certain fixed breeding and feeding grounds, where they are soon decimated, even with hook-and-line methods, but in such case they, of course, have ample opportunity, to breed up again. In two or three years or less, when the supplies are exhausted, most of the steam trawls will take a rest, and the company will have recourse to the huge tract of land which has been handed over to them. The price of fish locally will be affected but little, because they will can and distribute in other States everything, they cannot get top prices for. Meanwhile the fishing cutters, will be on the scrap-heap, and permanently so, because, their range is limited to the near waters, which will, of course, be the first exhausted; and, being the cheapest to work, will be kept skinned. Had the Government really been considering the best interests of the producers and consumers they would have attacked the monopoly of the sale of fish here and established a State market. There would then have been at an abundance of cheap fresh fish; the present prospect of tinned fish or nothing would never have arisen: and the ruin of the brave pioneers of the industry would have been averted. Our fishermen have devoted many years of arduous toil in raking the wherewithal to purchase a cutter, and now, when their goal is almost reached, the object of their toil is to be relegated to the scrapheap and themselves doomed to relinquish their calling or be the slave of a company. The very least that can be done is to secure to these men the whole scope of their present operations. and stipulate that the company, which has nearly the whole of the Australian coast to choose from, shall have no right to fish those grounds.—I am, &c., H. C. T.

Sir— No doubt the Scotch fishing delegates did not expect to meet with any opposition from the fishermen of South Australia, and naturally they want to make out a good case for themselves. Apparently Mr. Newlands thinks he is the only one who knows anything about fish and fishing, but in the fishermen of this State he has met his equal. In The Register of November 3, he says:— ' If Mr. Bruce knows as much about fishing as he does about talking he would not get an idea that we want to tear the bottom out of the gulfs.' What Mr. Newlands can teach me about fishing here will not make my head ache; and, though he may be a champion talker, he cannot ram down my throat the conviction that trawling will not ruin the fishing industry in Spencer and St. Vincent's Gulf. I have been in communication with men who have used all sorts of trawls, and they declare that trawling is the worst evil that can be introduced. In conclusion, I thank Mr. Newlands for his advice with reference to the selling of fish. He must allow us to be the best judges, considering that he has not been here two months, and we have had many years' experience. If fish is 50 per cent too dear now it will be 75 in a couple of years if the Government allows trawling in our gulfs. I am, Sir, &c, WALTER D. BRUCE.

Despite the mounting push-back the Government kept their course.

[1908]  The Surveyor-General (Mr Wm. Strawbridge) and the Government Valuator (Mr E. Britten Jones) visited American River in the steamer ' Governor Musgrave' on Tuesday last in connection with an inspection of several properties there. They were driven round and made a very thorough inspection and seemed satisfied with the suitability of the locality for the settlement of the Scotch fishing families. The inspection arrangements were entrusted to Messrs Campbell and Ayliffe and efficiently carried out.

Meanwhile another Scot shows his own intentions:

[1908]  STEAMER ARGYLE FITTING OUT. Trawling for fish is likely to become an established fact in this State long before either the Scottish fishermen who are negotiating for land on Kangaroo Island or the Commonwealth Fisheries Department are ready to begin operations. Mr. W. Kay, a Scotch trawler, who established the trawling industry in New Zealand, has arranged with the owners of the steamer Argyle to fit out that vessel for deep-sea fishing. Preparations for the scheme are now so well advanced that it is expected that the steamer will be ready to make her initial trip from Port Adelaide in about three weeks' time. Mr. Kay cabled to Granton, Scotland, for a full-sized Granton otter trawl, and it is now on the way out to the State, while another is being manufactured at Birkenhead from Mr. Kay's own designs. The cost of fitting out the Argyle is expected to be £200. For the present it is proposed to preserve the fish caught in the trawls in ice, but if the venture proves as successful as its promoters expect, the steamer will be installed with a refrigerating plant. Port Adelaide will be the head quarters of the trawler, and she will operate in the deep waters of Investigator Straits and Encounter Bay, where the present line fishing of the cutters will not be interfered with. The expenses will be considerable. The estimate is £100 per week, but Mr. Kay is sanguine of success. He has stated that in every part of the world where trawling has been tried it has revolutionized the fishing industry, and brought to light fish which were never suspected of being in the sea, and in quantities that have been found lucrative. The project in connection with the Argyle was contemplated before the arrival of the Scotch fishing delegates in South Australia.

[1909]  TRAWLING IN THE GULFS. Last week (in view of the impending settlement of Scotch fishermen in these waters) a deputation of local fishermen waited on the Premier and asked that trawling be prohibited between Cape Borda and Willams Island, and Cape Willoughby and Newland Head. The Premier replied that he would put the matter before the Commissioner of Crown Lands whose department controlled the fishing industry.

[1909]  " The Scottish fishermen will begin to fish this week. Although their settlement at Kangaroo Island has been delayed for a few weeks they are determined that that shall not stand in the way of plying their calling in the meantime, and arrangements have been completed to enable them to make a start immediately. To this end they have chartered from Messrs W. R. Cave & Co., the little screw steamer Ellen—95 x 18 x 6ft."

[1909]  THE SCOTCH FISHERMEN. PROBABLE START TO-DAY.

In conversation with a representative of "The Advertiser" on Tuesday evening, Mr. W. J. Newlands, the spokesman of the Scotch fishing delegates, remarked that everything was now in readiness for their trial trip. They had been hampered to some extent by having to wait for a captain to take charge of the cutter Ellen, which has been chartered for the trip. A certificated captain has now been obtained from Sydney, and has taken charge of the cutter. It is not yet decided where fishing operations are to be carried on, nor have the methods to be employed been settled. The crew will comprise seven or eight men, all hailing from the west of Scotland. Mr. Newlands will accompany the fishing party. the rest of the delegates remaining in Adelaide. The Ellen has been specially fitted up for the trip, and will leave Port Adelaide, in all probability, this morning. At Glenelg she will take in ice and other provisions. Mr. Newlands is confident of success.

[1908]  UNDERGRADUATES AT PLAY. AN AMUSING PROCESSION. SPORTS ON THE JUBLIEE OVAL. 

There was an immense gathering in the streets of Adelaide yesterday afternoon to witness the grotesque procession of the University undergraduates. . . . The Scottish fisherman who, a placard said, had seen "96 miles of herrings," caused the crowd much diversion. They were a couple of braw Scots, in tartan and Glengarry caps, and in their fish cart one could see several large denizens of the deep, and scores upon scores of minnows. Possibly the latter were the herrings.

[1909]  SCOTTISH FISHERMAN FUND.

Previously acknowledged. . . £1 0 0
"H" . . . 0 0 6
"W". . . 0 0 6
"V" . . . 0 2 0

[1909]  The steamer Argyle ran an excursion trip to Kangaroo Island on Sunday with a fair number of passengers, returning at midnight. . . .  Now thas the holidays are over this vessel will return to Port Adelaide to be fitted up with a new winch, with which to go trawling, but as the Government have somewhat crushed the industry by the restrictions they have placed on it, the chances of success seem somewhat remote. It seems a rather strange proceeding especially after inducing the Scottish fisherman to come out and settle here, as it must be borne in mind that we have no 'Dogger Banks' here like the old country, where trawling is so successful, and instead of restrictions, encouragement should be given by the Government to induce others to engage in an industry that will soon bust up the 'fish ring' in Adelaide and allow its citizens to get fresh fish at reasonable rates, which does not obtain at present.

[1909] A SCOTTISH FISHERMAN SUED. 

At the Adelaide Local Court on Wednesday, before Messrs. Commissioner Russell S.M., and G. Prout, Archibald McMillan, of St. Vincent-street, Port Adelaide, sued William James Newland, one of the Scottish fishermen, who, until the wreck of the steamer Ellen, conducted trawling operations off Kangaroo Island, for the recovery of £20 17/9. The following were the particulars of the claim: . . . . the defendant did not appear, and Mr. P. E. Johnstone, who represented the plaintiff, asked for a verdict for the full amount claimed, which was granted.

[1909]  Land for allotment on K.I. has been declared open to application, and all applications received at the Surveyor General's Office before 5 o'clock p.m. on October 5th, will be submitted to the Land Board. The land comprises blocks in the hundred of Dudley, MacGillivray, Haines and Seddon. The land on the American River purchased for the Scottish fisherman has been gazetted for allotment for homestead blocks.

[1909] SCOTTISH FISHER DELEGATE.  MELBOURNE, November 11.

At the City Court to-day William J. Newlands, who figured prominently in connection with a proposal to introduce Scottish fishermen into Australia, was charged with having obtained from John Phelan by means of a valueless cheque the sum of 2/5 and a quantity of goods to the value of 22/6 with intent to defraud. When arrested by Constable McCaffrey Newlands told him that he had been in Adelaide with the Scottish fishermen's representatives, and their boat had been smashed up on the South Australian coast. Constable McCaffrey deposed that when taxed by complainant in witness's presence with having passed a valueless cheque, Newlands replied, "He is talking. I never passed a cheque on him in my life." In reply to accused, witness said the latter was perfectly sober when looked up, but looked as if he had been on a drinking bout. Newlands, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial.

William James Newlands, guilty of false pretences, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, but the sentence was suspended on his entering into a recognisance to be of good behaviour for twelve months.