10 AUGUST 1918, Page 21

Figkeries of the North Sea. By Neal Green. (Methuen and

Co. 4s. 6d. net.)--Mr. Green in this interesting little book emphasizes the value of the North Sea fisheries and the importance of our fish- ing-fleet, and urges that the trade might be greatly developed if the fisheries were worked from fewer ports with better railway facilities. He goes much too far in wishing to discourage the small coast fishermen, who are a most valuable elemeritto the population. If all the fishing-boats were concentrated in a few lei ge ports like Grimsby, the trade might perhaps yield still greater profits than it does now ; but the advantage would be dearly bought if the industry of the many coast fishing villages were extinguished. We cannot regard this question solely from the commercial standpoint., as the author is inclined to do.