AN INDUSTRIAL FISHING-SCHOOL FOR IRELAND.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."
SIR,—In any measures that may be proposed to promote the industrial prosperity of Ireland, the Deep-Sea Fisheries must have a primary and conspicuous place. That they have fallen into a lamentable state of decay is evidenced by the fact that, whereas in the year 1866 there were 113,000 Irish fishermen, there are now, according to the last report of the Fishery Inspectors, only 23,000. This state of things is mainly due to the want of capital, energy, and skill. It was almost impossible for the fisherman to realise £300 for the purchase of a suitable boat, nor was there any means by which he could acquire the necessary technical knowledge in approved modes of fishing. These difficulties have been, however, surmounted in a few favoured localities, notably in this district, where the bounty of Baroness Burdett-Coutts has had marvellous results, and the loans of the Fishery Board are availed of. But yet the want of even elementary skill is universally felt. There is an almost total absence of the industries attendant on ordinary fishing. It is melancholy to have to say that there is not in the whole of Ireland a machine for manufacturing the nets now in use, nor is there one fish-curing establishment worthy of the name.
It is to supply these wants that a few of us, deeply interested in the development of the fisheries, have determined to institute a school where every facility will be afforded boys from all parts of the coast of Ireland of particularly learning the most approved system of fishing, and trained up in the cognate industries.
The Grand Jury of the county have liberally contributed £1,000 for the purpose. Already a large and commodious building, capable of holding two hundred boys, is in course of erection. A large sum will be required to complete it and the necessary machinery. For this we have only to rely on the voluntary aid of a generous public. When all is completed, the Government has promised an annual capitation-grant for the boys. Subscriptions can be forwarded to the Right Rev. Dr. Fitz- gerald, Skibbereen ; Hon. W. E. Treke, Glaston HouseXpping- ham ; Sir Thomas Brady, H.M.'s Inspector of Fisheries, Dublin ; or to your humble servant,
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