ufeful information, which I had derived from this retrospect, might be seen by thofe, who had at that time to confider the subject of Newfoundland. Hence arose the prefent History; and as the fame fubject is now before the House of Commons, I have ventured to print it, and throw it among the other materials under examination. If this public enquiry had not been instituted, the story here told would have been confined to the circle for which it was originally intended. April 1793. J. R. PARTI. Different Charters granted-Rules and Regulations of the Star Chamber-Of appointing a Governor-Additional RulesReport against a Governor Sir John Berry's Advice-Bye Boat-keepers, what? Question of a Colony argued―Stat. 10 & 11 Will. 3. c. 25. 5 PART II. Mr. Larkin's Obfervations-Character of the fifbing Admirals-Character of the Commanders-Want of Police-Opinion of the Board 1706-Representation 1708-For Sea Commanders to command at Land-Such Commiffion iffues-Laws and Orders made at Newfoundland-Representation 1718— Claim of the Guipufcoans to Fish-Of the Land ceded by the French-A Salmon Fishery granted-Opinion on the 7th Sec. of Stat. 10 and 11 Will. 3.Reprefentation 1728-Recommends a civil GovernmentA civil Governor is appointed-Disorders of Newfoundland, and Conduct of the fishing Admirals during this Period-Complaints from the Merchants. 22 PART III. Juftices appointed-Opinion on raifing Money by the Juftices-Contest between the Juf- tices and filing Admirals—Opinion on the Authority of the Admirals-A Court of Oyer and Terminer propofed.-Such Com- mission issued-Lord Baltimore revives his Claim-The Peace of 1763-Remarks of the Board on Stat. 10 & 11 Will. 3.- Newfoundland a Plantation-Cuftom house Import of live Stock, &c.-Reprefentation on a Bill brought in by the Western Merchants- -Three Acts paffed-Complaints about Courts -Review of the Courts at Newfoundland -Fishing Admirals-Surrogates-The Go- vernor holds a Court-Courts of Vice- Admiralty and Seffions-The Governors ceafe to bold Courts-Court of Common Pleas inftituted-Complaints against it- INTRODUCTION. 【INTEND to give a fhort history of the Government and Conftitution of the island of Newfoundland. This will comprise the ftruggles and viciffitudes of two contend ing interefts. The planters and inhabitants on the one hand, who, being fettled there, needed the protection of a government and police, with the administration of justice: and the adventurers and merchants on the other; who, originally carrying on the fifhery from this country, and vifiting that ifland only for the feafon, needed no fuch protection for themselves, and had various reafons for preventing its being afforded to the others. This narrative will divide itself into four periods, or parts. The firft will close with the paffing of ftat. 10 & 11. Will. 3. c. 25. by which the adventurers and merchants were supposed to have obtained a preference, and advantage over the pretenfions of the inhabitants, and planters. The fecond will end with the appointment of a civil governor, and of juftices of the peace in 1729; by which fome ftop was put to the diforder and anarchy that had long prevailed in the island, especially during the winter feafons. This may be confidered as an advantage gained by the inhabi<tants and planters. The third closes with Stat. 15, Geo. 3. c. 31. commonly called in the island Sir Hugh Pallifer's act, which was intended for giving an advantage to the fifhery carried on from the mother country; but, as it obliges both merchants and planters to pay their fervants' wages, it is equally abhorred by both parties; and both parties have shewn great readiness to join in afferting, that the fishery has gradually |