VANISHING SAILS

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1927, Page 8

VANISHING SAILS

LAMENT OF ARTISTS. Artists have become the latest critics of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in Great Britain. They complain that because of the policy of that Government department in encouraging the installation of motor engines in flshing-boats, they have been deprived of their favourite painting subjects. No longer can they easily find snug little harbours inhabited by sturdy smacks and luggers, or harbour bars being crossed by boats with billowing canvas. Along the coast the sailing trawlers are being replaced by motor craft, held by artists to be as unworthy of their oils and watercolours as the modern fisherman attired in mechanic’s dungarees. Many expressions of disappointment at the conversion of the fishing boats, an official of the Fishery Board said, have been officially received from artists. The change which had taken place in England and Wales was shown by the following comparisons: — 1913. To-day. Sail Fishing Boats— Over 10 tons .. ... 1353 450 Under 19 tons .. 3675 1843 Motor Fishing Boats — Over 10 tons .. .. 153 460 Under 10 tons .. 194 2200 The conservatism of the fisherman which had for long kept him hostile to the introduction of the motor engine, the official added, was rapidly .breaking down. He realised that power enables a boat to reach the fishing grounds when a sailing-boat is idle, to trawl in a calm or on a course that wind and tide forbid to sails, and to bring in a catch without waiting for a wind. Power is also making the fisherman’s life less laborious and prolonging the period of industry for, older men.