News to hand from Newfoundland states that the Commission presided over by Sir Robert Pinsent closed at St. George’s Bay on September 1, after six days’ investigation. The evidence showed high-handed proceedings on the part of the French during the past three years. In 1889 the people were prevented by Commander Russell from prosecuting the herring fishery. In 1890 the French ordered their nets to be taken up and prohibited them from fishing. In 1891 the French forbade the sale of herrings to Americans, and themselves gave only 40c. a barrel. The losses were shown to be not less than $20,000, and, after a careful examination by Judge Pinsent, the claims made were fully established. The grand jury’s presentment set forth as grievances that the lobster factories had been closed, that the people had been deprived of the herring fishery, and that their nets had been robbed by Frenchmen before their eyes.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive
Referenced
GRO0747 Hennock: Robert John Pinsent: 1834 – 1893