The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-07-28
THE LABRADOR FISHERIES.
Exaggerated Reports of Fsmine-Bood
Prospects for the Future.

ST. JOINS, y. f., July lS-In the early
part Of June report WAS circulated that "A ter
rible famine existed on the coast OF Labrador
owing to n failure OF the fisheries and "A scarcity
OF provisions. There were two substantial rea-
sons for doubling the possibility of an actual
famine. Tho Numerous fleets Of fishing smack
that lined the hnrbors and coast lines OF Labra-
dor were amply stocked with provisions calcu-
lated to last until November; and. however,
great the failure Of the fishery in general might
bo. sufficient fish was always obtanahle for
present food; and rs salt is sine qua non on
board fishing craft. starvation was out OF the
question.
After the news first reached the larger towns
OF Newfoundland. of which Labrador is a de-
tendency. kind gentlemen of means imme-
diately set TO work TO ascertain the whole truth
OF the painful rumor. and adopt measures for
prompt relief. The regular coastal steamer was
despatched 10 the reported locality Of the fam
inc. the Captain being instructed 10 purchase
provisions freely from the fishing shippers. with
the promise OF the merchants that provisions
would loo forthcoming 10 keep them in full sup
ply Cor the voyage. This was done 20 save tho
time that would be lost in loading the coastal
steamer.
ON reuching the places where famine and
famine fever were said to be- prevalent the
Captain learned that the whole story grew out
OF an exaggerated account 81 the condition Of
some very destitute families, whose destiiution
was tho direct result OF u vicious lazy, and
shiftless mode of life. Too idle 10 fish or hunt
thsv spent their time i'm loungng upon tho
fakcs. or fish wharyes, begging provisions.
and going to any conceivable extreme TO obtain
a qunntum OF rum. The limited class 10 which
they belong have grown almost barharic in
their habits. possessing all tho worst traits Of
the Esquimaux without any Of their redeemng
qualities. They remain the whole year on
Labrador. living wild. dreary life. that has n
banetul. uncivilzing effect upon them
There were some instances Of great poverty
that had not boon induced By proiligacy drink
or idlrness; hut these cases were promptly re-
heved by the first arrivals on the fishing
grounds in late April and early May. Some
times. through miscalculation or II lack OF
ludicious management. tho provisions intended
70 carry n family through III. long winter OF
Labrador give ont long before the return Of the
nshing iiccis. and as il II impossible to replen-
ish the larder until then the family Is placed in
very poor condition. II tho winter happens to
he comparatively mild. plenty OF game IL pro-
durable, and even the nucleus OF fortune If
antlers, and otter and beaver skins are oiton
largely accumulated in mild winters and dis
posed OF nj handsome figures to the agents OF
English or American firms, or To- an occasional
representative 81 the Hudson Bay Company.
The fishery on Labrador Is pronounced very
successful this season. All the fleet is well sup
piled. and the weather hns proved uncommonly
propitious. The Ncwfoundlandcrs however
still neglect 10 follow the advice of Prof. Hind
an attachd OF the Colonial Government who in
his extensive researches throughout tho island
and Is dependency Labrador, found that in the
northernnost parts Of the latter which are
never frequented by fishing vessels. cod sal
mon. mAckerel. and herring abound in seem
lngly inoAhaustlhle quantities.